Keep Your Pup Safe Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day Weekend is just days away, and for many of us it means three things – Honoring our service men and women; spending time with friends and family, and; travelling!

The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) and Boston Veterinary Care (BVC) wants to remind the public that from car rides to backyard gatherings, busy holiday weekends can be stressful and dangerous for animals.

While temperatures during Memorial Day Weekend are expected to be seasonal, even when the outside temperature is just 70 degrees, the inside of a car can heat up to more than 100 degrees in a matter of minutes – even with the windows left partially opened! That’s why leaving your pet inside of a hot car is the most common cause of deadly heat stroke – it’s just TOO HOT FOR SPOT! Remember, pets don’t sweat like humans do and cannot cool their bodies efficiently in hot temperatures.

If you plan on taking your best friend along for the ride this weekend, here are some tips to help keep your dog safe:

1. Never leave your pup alone in a parked car if they must travel with you. Not only are hot cars the most common cause for heat stroke, but leaving an animal inside a parked car is ILLEGAL in Massachusetts.
2. Always keep your canine on a leash or in a carrier if they must be outside. Find a shady spot with plenty of air flow and lots of fresh water.
3. Keep them away from dangerous objects. Secure your pet a good distance from sparklers, BBQs, and pools. Additionally, there are many plants and flowers that can be toxic to dogs, so make sure your pet is under constant supervision while outdoors.
4. Loud noises can be spooky! Things like fireworks and other loud noises can make a dog “fearfully aggressive,” so monitor your dog and keep them calm, especially around children.
5. Make sure your dog’s microchip and ID tag information is current. Many animal shelters report increases of “stray” animals during holidays due to the number of pets running away from the noise and excitement. Make sure your contact information is current and always on your dog’s collar to ensure an easy reunion should they be separated from you.

Prevention is responsible pet ownership. When in doubt, leave your pet at home in a quiet, cool room. Turn on a TV or radio to help distract from outside noises and leave them free to roam around so they don’t feel too confined.