Pet Safety Tips for Public Events
It may be common for dog owners to take their furry friends to street festivals and fairs. However, it is important to make sure that pet safety doesn’t take a back seat to fun. Not only do you need to make sure that your dog is okay around large crowds, but you will need to consider dog safety, health, and overall enjoyment. Below are some recommendations that you should take to ensure pet safety at public events.
Control Your Dog – You must ensure that your dog has a well-fitted collar with up-to-date ID tags. We also recommend that you use a non-retractable dog leash, especially at larger outdoor events. This will help with the overall safety of your dog by keeping them closer to you while you navigate through larger crowds. Avoid using retractable leashes as they may lead to injury or get tangled around objects and people.
Get A Feel for the Weather – Just because it feels good to you, doesn’t mean that it will feel good to your dog. For example, pavement and asphalt retain heat after the sun sets, so you should check the temperature no matter the time of the day and at night. The same goes for events in colder weather. At the very least, make sure that your dog has plenty of water for all the walking that they will be doing!
Parades – We recommend that you avoid parades. Not that your dog may not be able to handle the large crowd, but people tend to be unpredictable at times, especially if alcohol is involved. Not only that, but dogs and other animals are fearful of loud noises such as fireworks, car horns, etc. They may end up trying to run away if they are stressed by the loud noises during a parade.
Pay Attention to What Your Dog Eats – There are some combinations of foods, beverages, and grills that are unsafe for dogs. Beer, wine, and alcohol can also lead to respiratory failure in dogs. You need to be aware of your surroundings and ensure that your dog is not eating anything that will cause harm to them. Pack bowls, snacks, and food so they can enjoy a nice meal in the shade.
Having fun with your dog might involve some outdoor dog activities in public venues. It should be your main priority to ensure that your pet’s safety and health come first. Look for signs of anxiety or stress. If your dog isn’t enjoying themselves, it is time to remove them from the environment.
