Tag: memorial day pet safety

Break out the sprinklers, the grill and the checkered tablecloths! Best Bully Sticks wants to say, “HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!” Families around the nation gather to remember those service men and women who gave their lives to maintain our national freedoms as well as enjoy the company of those who are closest to us. That tight-knit group includes your dog, too! While you enjoy your Memorial Day, as well as a good burger, don’t forget to let Fido join the fun! BBS will be taking you through some past editions of the Healthy Dog Blog’s safety tips to keep your favorite pup safe while enjoying your Memorial Day festivities!

1. Don’t Share Food! There are lots of human foods that aren’t good for you dog, and while you may want to treat your pup, that treat may not be good to him. Make sure you keep all food and alcoholic beverages out of Fido’s reach.

2. Keep Fresh Water Available! Fresh water is essential to keeping your dog’s internal temperature down on a potentially hot Memorial Day. No matter where you are having your Memorial Day fun, make sure fresh water is available for your dog. Best Bully Sticks makes this easy with the Drinkwell Original Pet Fountain, or if you’re on the go, the Handi-Drink Portable Bottle/Bowl is a great travel-friendly alternative.

3. Memorial Day Travel with Fido! If you have Memorial Day plans down the street, across town or half a country away and decide to take your dog, make sure you’re keeping your pup safe in the car. But most importantly, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR DOG IN THE CAR!  BBS wants to offer some great tips for keeping your dog safe on the road. Read our Road Trip Dog Care Safety post to learn more! Read more

It's time to kick off summer with a Memorial Day celebration! Nothing say's fun in the sun then a barbecue and a good old fashion picnic with family and friends (even Fido would agree). But before you ignite the grill, chomp down on a juicy burger, lounge around the pool and enjoy the festivities remember safety first. Although it is recommended by the ASPCA to keep your dog indoors during those backyard BBQ's. If you insist on allowing your dog to partake in the festive affair it is important that as a responsible pet owner you are aware of the risk. Here are some precautionary pet safety tips to make Memorial day a blast for everyone.

1. Keep alcoholic beverages out of paws reach. Alcohol is potentially poisonous to pets, so make sure pet does not accidentally consume any wine, beer or spirits.

2. Stay on regular diet & resist those pleading eyes. Although it may be tempting to throw your dogs licking chops some picnic fare we advise that you resist the urge.  Just say "No" to those angelic, begging eye! Any change in your dog's diet can result in an upset stomach. Certain foods like onions, avocado, chocolate, grapes and raisins are especially toxic to pets.

3. Use ONLY dog specific bug repellent and sunscreen. Never use human insect repellent or sunscreen on your dog. Ingestion can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy.

4. Fido should stay clear of matches, candles & lighter fluid. Keep your pet away from matches, citronella candles and lighter fluid, which if eaten can irritate the stomach, lungs and central nervous system. Before you light that hot grill make sure your four legged family member is out of harms way.

5. Supervise pool time. Never leave kids or pets unsupervised around a pool or lake. Like humans not all dogs are expert swimmers. Also, pools aren’t large water bowls—they contain chlorine and other toxic chemicals that can cause stomach upset.

6. Carry ID. If traveling with your pet, take identification for them and their health records. Make sure they are wearing their collar & tags at all time in the event that become lost.

7. Never leave pet in hot car. Your pet is just as susceptible to dying of a heatstroke when the mercury rises. It only takes a few minutes for the inside of your car to get excessively hot and turn into a sauna.

As always, if you suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous from the picnic table, please contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) at (888) 426-4435.