Dog care on Canada Day is critical for ensuring your furry friend’s safety during this festive holiday. While Canadians celebrate with barbecues, parades, and fireworks, pets often find these events stressful and overwhelming. Studies show that dogs may become anxious around loud noises, large crowds, and unfamiliar activities, which can lead to unwanted behaviors or even accidents. By planning ahead, you can create a calm environment at home, reduce exposure to potential hazards, and keep your pet feeling secure. Additionally, it is important to maintain regular feeding and exercise routines, so your dog remains focused and relaxed. Restricting access to unattended grills, alcoholic beverages, and toxic foods can also prevent unnecessary trips to the vet. With thoughtful dog care on Canada Day, you and your pet can enjoy the spirit of the occasion without sacrificing well-being. Let’s explore the best strategies for keeping your pup comfortable and fully safe today.
Happy Canada Day! We’re guessing that barbeques and celebrations are in store for many of you today, as we celebrate our beautiful country. Just keep your canine companion in mind. This can be a dangerous day for dogs! A Brampton, ON vet offers some advice on this below.
Are you setting out a spread? Fido will probably be quite interested in what’s on that picnic table. You can definitely give your furry friend something special. Just stick to pet-safe foods, like plain, cooked meat, fish, or chicken with no skin, bones, or fat. Don’t give your pup garlic, onions, scallions, or chives; grapes, currants, or raisins; meat on the bone; chocolate; avocado; pitted fruit; caffeine; alcohol; or raw dough or yeast. Ask your vet for more information.
Fireworks are very scary to many pets. Fido doesn’t understand that the lights and noise are a celebration, and can get quite spooked. Take your canine buddy inside before it gets dark, and set him up in a comfy spot with bedding, toys, and a yummy treat. Turning on some background noise, like a TV, will help mask the commotion. If your pooch gets really scared, ask your vet about using pet-calming products, such as treats or sprays. For dogs with severe anxiety or fear responses, consider our veterinary behavior counseling service to help your pet cope better with stressful situations like fireworks displays.
To ensure your pet’s safety during Canada Day celebrations, keep hazardous items such as bug spray, citronella oil, and lighter fluid away from your dog. Proper dog care on Canada Day means preventing access to these substances, which can be toxic if ingested. Celebrate responsibly by securing any dangerous items that could harm your pet.
Canada Day can get pretty hot. Make sure Fido always has fresh, clean water. If it’s really hot, he may enjoy having some ice cubes in his bowl. For extra tail wags, give your furry bff some ice cream.
Fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and other parasites may very well turn up for your celebration. Keep your canine friend up to date on his parasite prevention products. Vaccines are important too, especially the rabies vaccine.
Ensure your trashcans close securely, especially during Canada Day festivities. Dogs, like Fido, often rummage through garbage seeking leftovers. The discarded items, including can lids, toothpicks, bones, fat trimmings, skewers, and tin foil, pose serious threats to their health. Proper dog care on Canada Day includes safeguarding your pet from these hazardous materials.
Reports of lost pets often spike at this time of year. Fido should be microchipped and wearing ID tags, just in case. It’s important to be prepared for the possibility of a lost pet, not just during holidays but year-round. To learn more about preventing and handling lost dog situations, check out our article on Missing Mutts Awareness Day, which provides valuable information on this critical topic.
Travel arrangements begin with updated vaccines and parasite prevention. Include identification tags and a microchip for swift recovery if separation occurs. Provide a well-ventilated crate or harness that suits the animal’s comfort. Supply ample water and a familiar blanket or toy to ease stress. Secure all chemicals, such as bug sprays, in closed containers. Offer pet-friendly snacks, avoiding any harmful ingredients. Keep an eye on temperatures and watch for signs of overheating. A calm environment, complete with background noise, helps soothe nervous travelers. All these measures ensure a safe journey.
For comfortable, low-stress travel, breaks are recommended around every two or three hours. Use these intervals to let the pet walk, drink fresh water, and enjoy a change of scenery, helping reduce anxiety. Keep an eye on hot conditions by offering shade or cooler surroundings whenever possible. Maintaining a consistent schedule that includes parasite prevention and ID tags helps reduce risks if unexpected delays arise. Watch for signs of restlessness or discomfort, which may signal a need for more frequent stops. Additionally, check the pet’s water supply periodically and refill as needed.
Elderly and short-nosed dogs require special accommodations during travel to ensure their comfort and safety. Due to their potential health issues, including respiratory difficulties and reduced stamina, these dogs should have access to a cool, well-ventilated environment. Regular breaks during long journeys are crucial to allow for stretching, hydration, and relief. A comfortable, secure space with soft bedding helps manage joint pain common in older dogs. Always consult with a veterinarian to tailor travel plans to your dog’s specific health needs and consider using pet-friendly travel accessories designed for their comfort.
Hot spots, or acute moist dermatitis, are areas of irritated, infected skin that worsen when a dog repeatedly licks or chews the affected spot. These often arise from moisture trapped close to the skin, which can happen during swimming. To prevent hot spots, thoroughly dry your dog after they swim, especially in dense fur areas. Regular grooming can also help by reducing tangles that trap moisture. Additionally, ensure your pet is up to date on flea and tick prevention, as parasite bites can prompt scratching that leads to hot spots.
When introducing pets to large gatherings, it’s vital to ensure their safety and comfort. Start by keeping them away from unsafe foods, such as onions, chocolate, and bones, which can be toxic or cause choking. Loud noises like fireworks can frighten pets, so provide a quiet, secure space with distractions like toys and background noise to help them stay calm. Ensure your pet is microchipped and wears ID tags to prevent them from getting lost amidst the festivities. Additionally, maintain up-to-date vaccinations and parasite prevention to protect their health during outdoor events.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if ever we can be of assistance. As your Brampton, ON veterinary clinic, we’re here to help.