Spending Memorial Day With Your Dog
Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer and is often filled with picnics, parades, and fireworks. But amidst all the celebration, we must remember our furry companions. For those of us who count dogs as family members, here’s a guide on celebrating Memorial Day with your dog while still honoring the memory of those who served in the military.
Preparing to Celebrate Memorial Day With Your Dog
Before Memorial Day arrives, ensure your pet is prepared for any changes in routine. Ensure your dog has a safe, comfortable, and quiet space to retreat to. A favorite spot in the house, complete with their bed, some toys, and water, will suffice. If you plan to attend outdoor events, check if they’re pet-friendly.
Safety First
While Memorial Day offers a chance for enjoyment, it also brings potential hazards for pets. Ensure your dog’s identification tags are current, and consider microchipping if you haven’t already. Be aware of foods at barbecues that could harm your pet, such as chocolate, alcohol, and certain fruits and nuts.
One of the biggest challenges for dogs on Memorial Day is the noise from parades and fireworks, which can cause anxiety and fear. According to Dr. Rachel Barrack, a veterinarian at Animal Acupuncture in New York City, “dogs hear at higher frequencies and have a much more acute sense of hearing than humans.” Therefore, those booms and bangs are much louder to them. Make sure to provide your dog plenty of comfort and distraction during these noisy events.
Dog-Friendly Activities
- Indoor Fun: If you stay indoors, engage your pet with fun games. A game of hide and seek with their favorite toy or a fun agility course using cushions and chairs can keep them entertained.
- Outdoor Excursions: If the weather permits and the venue is pet-friendly, take your dog to a local Memorial Day parade. A day at a dog-friendly beach or park can also be a fun outing. Remember to pack essentials like water, snacks, and poop bags!
- Special Treats: Memorial Day is an opportunity to pamper your pup with special treats. Homemade dog-friendly popsicles made from chicken broth or a stuffed Kong toy can keep them occupied for hours.
- Remembrance Walk: Taking a calm, reflective walk with your pet is a way to honor the day’s true meaning. If there’s a dog-friendly memorial or park in your area dedicated to veterans, a visit could be a great activity.
Making the Day Memorable
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance. Take time to educate yourself about the dogs who served in the military and share stories with your family. You can even donate to a nonprofit organization that supports military dogs.
As we remember the servicemen and women who gave their lives for our freedom, ensuring our furry friends are safe, comfortable, and entertained on this day is essential. You can enjoy Memorial Day with your dog with some preparation, sensitivity, and creativity.
Remember, as dog lovers and pet owners, we can also use this day to be thankful for the joy and companionship dogs bring to our lives and the brave service dogs who serve alongside our troops.
Let’s strive to make this Memorial Day not only a day of honor and remembrance but also a day of appreciation and love for our furry friends.
