10 Pet Safety Tips For Labor Day

 1.  Backyard BBQ's

Be mindful of where your pet is when cooking.  Your pets are not always mindful of where their tails are swinging and they could end up getting too close or touching a hot surface.  Or if you are using a smaller grill, a pet can easily knock it over, so supervise the grill until it has been cooled down.  Be sure that your pet is not licking the grease of the grill, that is not good for their tummy!

2.  Garbage

Be sure trash cans are guarded like your life depends on it.  Having a lid on the can may keep a few pets away, but not the mischievous ones who like to knock them down!  We don't want our little fur ones getting a tummy ache or worse because they got into the scraps from the party.

3.  Loud Music and Fireworks

These are a staple at any Labor Day party!  But let's keep in mind not all fur babies can handle the loud noises or surprise little part poppers, EVEN sparklers!  Chances are if your pet doesn't like thunder, they probably don't like fireworks.  If you can't avoid having the celebration at your house, let your pet stay with a relative or somewhere else.

And if you're not having a party, but live close to party people, or parks where fireworks are set off, take your pet somewhere safe for the night.  They will appreciate it.

4.  People Food

Do not!  I repeat, Do not!  Give them any table scraps after any holiday meals that you share with family and friends.  There are many unsafe holiday meals that can cause digestive issues and pancreatitis for your pet.  That goes along with any bones, that you find at the bottom of your turkey.  Cooked bones can easily splinter causing dental and internal issues.  Keep chocolate and deserts out of reach from your loved ones!  Instead, find pet holiday choices from your local pet store.

5.  Have Water Available

If your pet will be outside, always keep fresh cool water available and out of the sun.  And if it is hot out, grab a couple of ice cubes from the cooler and toss into your pets bowl....Or even give them out as a little treat, we don't want our babies over heating.

6.  Supervision At The Pool...Yes Even For Your Pets

We all know the children must be supervised at the pool, but so do your pets.  Not all pets are great swimmers for one, and two, they may get tired after swimming around with the kiddos for a long period of time and are unsure of how to get out.  Be sure that any children or intoxicated adults are not pressuring the pets and making them uncomfortable to float in a tube or be wrapped up in a pool noodle.

7. Shade

If your pet will be outside all day, try to find them shade or make some with an umbrella.  Their body temperatures are naturally higher than ours, so they get warmer quicker.  Not to mention, some of our pets have long thick hair, making it even hotter for them!

8.  Sunscreen

DO NOT just put your household sunscreen on your pets.  Certain ingredients in household sunscreens can make your pet very ill.  They have pet branded sunscreen out there, I like to use Corona.  It is great for horses, dogs, and cats!

9.  Leash

Having your pet on a leash during gatherings are safer then having them in a gated area or in the house.  There are many sneaky pets who can squeeze past people going in an out.  Children love to let the pets out or as many of you parents know, forget to shut doors behind him.  To keep pets from wondering off, keep them on a leash or a long lead that they can be monitored on.

10.  Parasite Prevention

Tis the season!  Fleas, ticks, and worms.  Even if your pets are out minimally, it is still important to make sure they are protected against these nasty parasites.  Our fur friends get into many things, very quickly and sometimes we don't know they have a par