Make Your Picnic Safe for Your Pooch

The lazy days of summer offer lots of opportunities to share good times with our four-legged friends. But that fun can quickly turn deadly if our pooches ingest something toxic or get too much heat and sun.

Here are a few tips for keeping them safe and happy:

Table Manners – Keep your pup out of the picnic basket. Some summer fare, such as grapes, raisins and currants, is poisonous to dogs. Additionally, chicken bones, corn on the cob and peach pits can become choking hazards for Fido. For a complete list of foods that are toxic for dogs contact your local veterinarian. Do your research, we have some great vets in the Albany, New York area!

Hot Cars – It’s never a good idea to leave your dog in the car. Even when the outside air temperature reaches a comfortable 78 degrees F, as it often does here in New York’s Capital District, the car’s interior can quickly soar to 90 degrees F or higher – even with the windows partially open!

Avoid Fireworks – Pets and fireworks are a dangerous combination. Many dogs (and cats) are terrified by the thunderous sound of fireworks. And dogs can ingest discarded or unsupervised fireworks, which contain deadly chemicals.

Keep Your Pet’s ID Current on his Collar and Keep him/her Leashed – Imagine the many distractions on a picnic or other summer adventure that can lure Fido away. New sounds, new friends, new scents. All of that excitement is a recipe for disaster if he or she slips out of your grasp. Make sure your pet can be returned safely to you if the unthinkable happens.

Keep the Water and Shade Plentiful – Dogs overheat and get thirstier than their two-legged companions. Be sure to scope out a spot that offers ample shade and to provide an abundance of water to keep your pooch hydrated.

Doggie Sunscreen?? – Yes! Dogs can get sunburned, too, especially if their coats are short or fair. As with humans, painful sunburns can plague our pooches and overexposure can also lead to canine skin cancer. Your veterinarian can recommend the best doggy sunscreen so don’t presume it’s okay to use your own brand on Fido.

Sometimes It’s Best to Just Leave Fido Home – Large celebrations can be overwhelming for some pets. They are most comfortable in their own surroundings. If the picnic or party is on too grand a scale, or promises to demand the lion’s share of your attention, you may want to rethink bringing your pup along.