Labor Day is a fun time to have a barbecue or picnic to soak up the last days of the summer sun. Although you may want to include your dog in the festivities, not all traditional Labor Day activities are enjoyable or safe for your dog. There are dangerous foods, the risk of overheating and dehydration, and fireworks which can cause your dog fear and anxiety. To ensure a smooth and hazard-free Labor Day celebration, make sure you consider the following.
Key Points
Dangerous Foods for Dog Around Labor Day
Picnics and barbecues come with their fair share of food dangers. Items like skewers, corn on the cob, or cooked bones pose a choking hazard, and many foods you might enjoy are toxic to dogs such as grapes, chocolate, and onions. Other foods can cause gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea. It’s important to ensure your dog doesn’t eat anything that could harm them. Be sure to also keep your dog away from all alcoholic beverages.
Dr. Carly Fox, Senior Veterinarian in the Emergency & Critical Care Service at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center recommends leaving your dog inside or crated in an area where they don’t have access to food left on the table. She also advises asking your guests in advance not to feed your dog. “Another easy thing to do is cover your garbage,” she says. “When the bins are full, take them out immediately. Do not leave tied, full, garbage bags on the floor awaiting final disposal. They are sitting ducks!”
Labor Day Picnic and Barbecue Hazards
In addition, a lit barbecue is a danger if your dog jumps onto the hot lid, grill, or outer shelves in search of food. Open fire pits are also risky as your dog could try to leap over or accidentally fall in. And never tie your dog to the grill. If they become excited or frightened, they could bolt, toppling the barbecue as they go. The safest approach is to block off the grill area, keep your dog indoors while you cook, or tie them up away from the action.
Also watch out for dangerous backyard items your dog might eat or lick such as bug spray, pesticides, or sunscreen. Lighter fluid, matches, and charcoal briquettes can also pose a risk. Keep these items safely locked up or stored too high for your dog to knock over or get into. You might also have insect coils or citronella products on your deck, but these need to be kept out of reach of your dog. Dr. Fox adds that if your pet does get into something potentially dangerous, it’s important to contact your veterinarian to see if immediate action is required. A speedy response could save your dog’s life.
Stay Vigilant Around Water
Although many dogs love to swim, don’t let your dog in a pool, lake, or river unsupervised at your Labor Day party. They could tire, making them unable to get out of the water, or they could get swept away by the tide or heavy currents. Your dog could also fall in a pool and not know how to get out. If you do take your dog swimming, make sure to use a properly fitted life jacket if they struggle to stay afloat or tire easily. Always use a life jacket if you take your dog boating.
Also watch your dog near ponds, swamps, and other bodies of water that could contain bacteria, blue-green algae, parasites, or other diseases. If your dog drinks that water, they could suffer stomach upset, diarrhea, or even pick up a disease like giardia. Be sure your dog always has access to fresh, clean water, so they’re less tempted to drink from potentially tainted water sources in the environment.
Watch Out for Sunburn and Heatstroke
Access to fresh water is also important to prevent dehydration in the heat. September’s temperatures can still be high and the sun strong which puts dogs at risk of heatstroke, which is a life-threatening condition. Walk your dog early in the morning before your Labor Day festivities or later in the evening as it will be cooler then. And Dr. Fox advises, never leave your dog in a hot car, even with the windows down. It can lead to death, even after just a short period of time.
She also advises putting pet-safe sunscreen on your dog if they have white fur, thinning or sparse fur, or a dermatologic disease. Don’t forget bare areas like the ears, nose, and belly. This will prevent burns while your dog is out in the sun. It’s just as important to provide shade, so your dog can stay cool. Also, watch out for hot pavement and sidewalks, which can be hard on your dog’s paw pads.
Avoid the Anxiety Caused by Fireworks
Although they’re a common Labor Day activity, most dogs find fireworks incredibly stressful. Dr. Fox recommends leaving your dog at home if you plan on attending fireworks as you and your dog will both have a better time. “Leave them in a comfortable, familiar place with no access to the outside. If you are planning on hosting, set up a safe place for your dog inside. The area should have comfort items for them, no window access – ideally in the interior of the house.”
Other tips from Dr. Fox include putting on music, a noise machine, or the TV to help drown out the noise. Exercising your dog and providing puzzle toys beforehand will also help as these will tire your dog out prior to the event, and a tired dog may feel less anxious. You can also consider antianxiety products like an anxiety vest or dog appeasing pheromones. If needed, veterinarian-prescribed oral medication can provide your dog with relief, but be sure to get this from your vet well in advance of the holiday.
Ensure Your Dog Has a Microchip and an ID Tag
During the chaos of a Labor Day celebration, you might lose track of your dog. Or your dog could run off due to fear or stress. In fact, dogs are most likely to get lost when they run away in a panic during fireworks. That’s why Dr. Fox says, “Making sure your pet has a visible ID collar and a microchip, in case the collar gets lost or damaged, is imperative so that they can be safely reunited with you. Don’t forget to update your information associated with your pet’s microchip.”
With all these tips, you can ensure a fun and incident-free holiday. It won’t be just you enjoying Labor Day. Your dog should have fun at the festivities, too!
This article is intended solely as general guidance, and does not constitute health or other professional advice. Individual situations and applicable laws vary by jurisdiction, and you are encouraged to obtain appropriate advice from qualified professionals in the applicable jurisdictions. We make no representations or warranties concerning any course of action taken by any person following or otherwise using the information offered or provided in this article, including any such information associated with and provided in connection with third-party products, and we will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages that may result, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.