The first Monday in September brings us Labor Day, the final days of summer, and the start of the back-to-school season for many of us.
In many ways, Labor Day can feel like “the last hoorah!”
Labor Day weekend is a busy time for veterinary hospitals. With all the fun you’ll be having this Summer, it’s important to remember the dangers that come with extreme heat and overly-stimulating holiday festivities this time of the year.
What is Labor Day?
During the 19th century Labor Movement, Labor Day was born. Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and outstanding achievements of American workers and is recognized as a federal holiday.
We celebrate Labor Day in cities and towns across the United States with parties, parades, picnics, barbecues, fireworks displays, and other public gatherings.
Labor day fireworks may not be as extravagant as Fourth of July fireworks, however, noise-sensitive pets are just as likely to become frightened over this long weekend. Whichever way you choose to celebrate, we’re here to help you keep your pup safe and entertained during the long holiday weekend.
Pet Safety for Labor Day Parties
Are you hosting or attending a party on Labor Day? If so, there are many potential dangers at a party that can bring harm to your pet. Be sure to keep these tips in mind to avoid endangering your pet.
1. Exercise
Whether it be a long walk or extra playtime with their favorite toys during the day, your pets are more likely to be tired, peaceful, and calmer at night. While outside, make sure you take your dog to the restroom several times before the party starts, as well. You wouldn’t want to be forced to stop the festivities for an unexpected potty break!
2. Update Tag and Microchip(s)
If your pet manages to break loose and become lost, it will be that much harder to get them back without proper identification. Make sure their tag is fully visible at all times. Fifteen percent of pet owners lost a pet in the last five years, a heartbreaking and often avoidable statistic. A microchip can mean the difference between a joyous reunion and a post-labor day search party
3. Monitor the Grill
Keep dogs away from hot grills, tempting trash, and flammable items.
Labor Day brings about interesting smells and new foods that can tempt even the most well-behaved dogs. When it comes to human foods, pet parents should avoid feeding their pets from the table. However, never feed pets at the grill. In addition to stomach and digestive problems caused by greasy and carb-heavy human foods, your dog could potentially burn themselves on hot grill plates or burning coals.
Check out ASPCA’s full list of people foods to avoid feeding your pet to ensure you stay fully informed.
4. Keep them Cool
Although the end of summer is near, the sun is shining bright and is still hot, hot, hot! Dogs like being outside, but intense heat can cause heatstroke and exhaustion. If you and your dog go outside for an adventure, or there is a party being hosted outdoors; be sure your fur baby has access to plenty of cool drinking water. Placing a cold, damp cloth on your pet’s stomach may also help them beat the heat.
5. Beware of Fireworks
Excitable dogs may try to attack, eat, or play with fireworks and firecrackers that may appear on Labor Day. Unfortunately, dogs and fireworks don’t mix well. Fireworks can cause deadly injuries like severe burns, trauma, and even chemical poisoning.
Used fireworks should be watered down and stored away from the house or any flammable materials after the festivities end. This will allow them to cool down properly, preventing fires or unforeseen injuries to your dog(s).
6. Watch for Flammable Items
Keep all flammable items away from pets. This includes everything from glow sticks and fireworks to matches and lighter fluid. Certain types of matches contain chlorates, which could cause difficulty breathing or even kidney disease in severe cases. Lighter fluid can be irritating to skin and can produce gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system depression if ingested.
7. Ask For Help
Ask for help! Your party guests can help keep track of your pet throughout the night. Ask a few trusted friends to take turns watching your fur baby. This way, everyone is bound to have fun, and your dog gets to socialize. We’ll volunteer if you can’t convince your friends.
6 Fun Ways to Celebrate Labor Day with Your Dog
No plans for the long weekend?
If you have any fur babies at home, another way to celebrate the day off is by planning an activity with your best friend. We’re here to help make the most of your Labor Day weekend with spent with you, yourself, and your mutt.
1. Beach Day
Most dogs love to swim, and there’s no better place to do it then at a beach, lake, or shore. Playing frisbee, boating, and swimming are just a few ways to enjoy the beach (or any body of water!) with your dog.
Photo by real Redbarn customer @indie.pittie
2. Camping
Most dogs love camping and will be quick to adapt to #tentlife. Camping is more fun with a dog. They have so much to do, see and smell! Try spending a long weekend with your dog and your family amid the beauty of Mother Nature.
3. Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails
Hiking can open up a whole new world of fascinating adventure. Dogs make great companions in the wilderness.
Treat yourself and your pup by discovering a new hiking trail!
Hiking can be a fun, but strenuous activity for both you and your pet. As a responsible, adventurous pet parent, it’s important to be prepared on a hike with your dog.
4. Visit a Dog-Friendly Bar or Resort
Imagine…Your dog’s very own luxurious bed, fancy food and water bowls, room service menu, dog treats, in-room massages, and maybe even a “Yappy Hour” or two (alcoholic beverages for pet parents, only!) at a dog-friendly resort? If a resort doesn’t seem feasible this year, you can also try out a local dog-friendly bar.
5. Visit the Dog Park
When’s the last time you took your dog to a dog park?
Most pups love off-leash time with canine friends.
To find the right dog park for you and Fido, check with friends, neighbors, and online to see where the dog parks are in your area. Do your due diligence and check out the dog park before you let your dog run loose inside. There are a few dos and don'ts if and when you do decide to visit one.
6. Just Relax
Sometimes the best way to celebrate a holiday is to do nothing at all. Ah, a long lazy weekend with no schedules, no alarm clocks, no work, no projects, no errands, no ringing phones, no buzzing email alerts, no pressing errands. So why not just relax, recharge your battery, and don’t forget to reach over and pet your faithful companion during commercial break.
