Plan for a Safe and Fun Labor Day Weekend with Pets

29 August 2019

With hot weather, barbeques, and end-of-summer road trips, Labor Day weekend could mean an unexpected trip to the emergency room for pets. What can you do to keep your pet safe?

PORTLAND, Ore. – The activities that make holidays fun for people – an abundance of food, hot weather and road trips – can make this holiday hazardous for pets. Doctors at DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital are warning pet owners to take extra precaution during the holiday weekend to make sure pets are safe and secure.

As temperatures rise, all Portland pets are at risk. Understanding your pet’s limitations and taking extra precautions in warm weather may be the difference between a fun day in the sun and a trip to the emergency room.

Tips for keeping dogs and cats safe in extreme heat:

Never leave a pet in a car. On a mild to hot day, temperatures in a closed car can exceed 120 degrees in minutes, creating a dangerous condition for any animal. Cracking a window or parking in the shade does not help.
Give pets extra water. Hydration is crucial to avoid illness. Whether a pet is indoors or outdoors, fill their water bowls several times a day.
Protect paws from hot surfaces. If the pavement is too hot for your bare hands or feet, it is too hot for a pet’s paws.
Do not overdo outdoor exercise. Often, dogs do not know when they need a break. Stop frequently for shaded breaks and offer plenty of water.
Take extra precaution with older dogs and dogs with shorter noses. They are susceptible to higher temperatures and at a greater risk of heatstroke.
Apply pet-safe sunscreen to your dog. Sunburn can affect pets the same way it affects humans – pain, peeling and skin cancer. Use a pet-safe sunscreen on unprotected areas, like the tips of the ears, the skin around the lips, and the tip of the nose.
Do not leave windows open while pets are unattended. Pets are more likely to fall from windows when it is warm. Do not rely on window screens to keep your pet from falling.
When in doubt, stay indoors. Avoid spending long periods of time outside during the hottest time of the day.

Road trips are a holiday staple, and while travelers may plan every detail of their trip, pet safety is sometimes overlooked. Traveling with pets can be fun, safe and stress-free with some planning.

Consider the following to make your trip safe:

Practice pet restraint. Whether you opt for a harness, crate, carrier or pet barrier, it is important to keep pets secured because unrestrained animals risk serious injury to themselves and other passengers in the event of a collision. Much like small children, they should not ride in the front passenger seat to avoid injury from airbag deployment. They should never ride in the cab of a truck without proper restraint.
Take test drives. Prepare your pet for the trip by going on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. See how pets react to riding in the car and being restrained in a harness or crate.
Plan for pet-friendly stops. Make sure itineraries include pet-friendly locations – hotels, restaurants, stores and rest stops.
·Research nearby veterinary care. Keep a list of multiple clinics along the way and at the destination, including the closest emergency or 24-hour hospitals for any emergency situations.
Before you go. Pets should get a checkup at their regular vet before going on a long trip. Make sure vaccinations are up to date and ask for copies of the records. Veterinarians can also share knowledge about potential health risks at your destination and what preventive measures to take.
Keep dogs on a leash in unfamiliar areas. Pet can be spooked, chase a squirrel or run after another dog at any moment, especially in unfamiliar situations while traveling. This can result in injury or a lost pup.
Keep pets and paws inside while driving. Dogs will be most tempted to hang out the window and catch a breeze, but they risk falling or getting debris in eyes.