Dog Safety Tips for Public Events
Public events like festivals and block parties may make the list of must-do activities for you and your four-legged friend. After all, they are part of the family and should be included in the fun! However, you want to ensure that safety is the main priority when you bring your dog around large crowds of people. Below are some steps you should consider.
- Buckle Up. Are you driving to the event? If so, buckling a dog into a dog car seat minimizes driver distraction and ensures that the dog remains safe during the ride. This will also make sure that they do not jump out of the car and experience a fatal accident.
- Weather. Researching the weather conditions prior to the event will help you decide if you should bring your four-legged friend or not. You may think that the weather is ideal for you, but you should consider the heat of the pavement (or sand) as it may be uncomfortable for your dog and their paws. It is important to know that pavement and asphalt retain heat after the sun sets so it is important to check the temperature regardless of the time of day.
- Control. Most importantly, double-check to make sure that your dog has up to date ID tags and collars. This will help if your dog gets lost in a large crowd. They will be able to be identified and hopefully returned safely to you. We recommend that you use a non-retractable dog leash, especially at the larger outdoor events. This will help you have better control over your pup.
- Parades. We recommend that you stay away from larger parades. Dogs and other animals can be fearful of loud noises and other forms of human entertainment (think about fireworks). Parades are known to be hectic and the last thing you want is your dog to get in the middle of the chaos.
- Food Safety. It is a good idea to keep your four-legged friend away from the grill. Not only is this a fire hazard, but unlit matches and lighter fluid are dangerous if ingested. They contain chlorates, which can potentially damage blood cells and result in respiratory issues and kidney damage. Pack your own treats and reward your dog for their good behavior.
Public events are meant to be fun, but there is a lot to consider when you want to bring your pet along. If you are stressing about your dog and unable to enjoy the event, it is probably a good idea to keep your dog at home. Scope out the scene, conduct your own research, and determine if the event is truly pet-friendly!
