We hope you’re as excited as us for Labor Day weekend! Labor Day is a fantastic long weekend to spend time outside with your friends, family, and of course — pets! As we are all off to our destinations today, let’s not forget to take the necessary precautions to make sure that our pets are safe and comfortable during all Labor Day festivities.
The number one thing to be concerned with for any summer holiday and your pets is the heat.
When you’re outside with your pets, make sure that they ALWAYS have access to shade and fresh water. Never leave your pets unattended for long periods of time in the heat, and be sure to keep the air conditioning on throughout those extra hot days. Also, always watch out for signs of heat stroke. They include but are not limited to vomiting, tremors, or inability to walk. If you notice any of these symptoms, do not wait. Contact an emergency vet immediately.
We urge you to never leave your animal loose in your car.
Many of us will be getting into our cars for a road trip this morning. We urge you to never leave your animal loose in your car. The safest way to travel with your pet is with a kennel that is securely fastened with a seatbelt or seat saver. Also, Never leave your pet alone in a hot care — even if you are parked in the shade or have your windows open. Your car creates an oven-like effect that will make it hotter than the outside environment.
If you are attending a cookout, be weary of what you furry friend may get into.
Many of our favorites can be extremely harmful for our pets. Alcohol, grapes, chocolate, onions, certain nuts or even dairy items can be extremely toxic to our pets (just to name a few). Also, watch out for corn on the cob or cooked bones of any kind! Dogs are known to choke on large pieces of corn cob, and cooked bones can do severe damage to a pet that may ingest them.
Be ready for fireworks.
If you are ending your night with a display of fireworks, do your best to secure your pets somewhere quiet and safe. It is best to be with them until the loud noises are over. Fireworks are known to cause pets to take off and run away — even if your animal may never otherwise do so.
Have fun this weekend, and keep these tips in mind! Our pets are members of our family, and it is very important to always consider their needs and best practices for these kinds of scenarios.
Would you like to donate to help save animals? HEALS is one of the best, most effective animal charities to donate to. Your gift provides financial help for pets in need of life-saving veterinary care–when their owners truly can’t afford it–right here in your own community. If you need help paying for dog or cat veterinary care, contact us at 914-996-0001 or email us at info@healspets.org.
