Memorial Day is often considered the unofficial start of summer. The weather is warming up and many people are looking forward to outdoor activities. Your furry friends are no different. They LOVE being outside; but safety should always be a priority for all pet owners. Grilling season is big and so are the firework shows this time of year. Here are some tips to keep your pet safe.

Barbeques/Food Safety:

Food Safety: While it's tempting to give your dog a treat; be careful of the table foods you let your pet consume. Some foods are toxic to animals. Always research what foods are considered to be pet safe. Be sure to avoid feeding your dog things like corn on the cob, onion, garlic, chocolate or grapes. These are some common foods found at BBQs.

Grill Safety: Keep your pet away from the hot grill or any open flames. Pets can get excited or scared and bump into your cooking equipment. This could cause severe burns.

Kid Safety: Small children can be tempted to feed the animals however this could result in someone getting bit. It is important to ensure kids don’t scare or startle pets with loud noise as well.

Water Safety:

The most important rule is to keep a watchful eye on your pets when they are near the water. A good recommendation is to stay close to the edge or remain in shallow water. You can also purchase dog life vests for added safety. Fireworks:

Noise: Fireworks and loud noises can cause anxiety for pets. Playing music or white noise could help drown out the loud sounds.

Calming Devices: There are many different options for helping your pet calm down from the loud noises of fireworks. There are calming chews, vests, caps and headphones. These can be purchased at your local pet store or online.

Safe Spaces: Find or create a safe and quiet space in your home that your pet can retreat to. You can block out the windows to help with the flashing lights and use curtains to muffle the loud noise. It may be a good idea to keep your pet in a crate to prevent them from running away or frantically running around the house.

Some pets do tend to panic when they hear fireworks so it's important to ensure your pet is wearing a collar and if microchipped, your contact information is up to date. Keep your furry friends safe while you enjoy Memorial Day and the upcoming summer months. For more information and tips visit Military Pet Club today!