6 Safety Tips for a Summer Picnic with Your Pet 

Rule #1: sun’s out, fun’s out! This means a picnic with your pet is bound to be at the top of your summer bucket list. While sun-soaked adventures can spell a good time, at our pet ERs throughout the U.S, we do see picnickers turn to panickers when a pet gets into trouble and needs our emergency vet help.

So, heads up, sunshine! Here are 6 tips for a memorable and safe summer picnic with your pet:

1. KEEP YOUR PET LEASHED IN PUBLIC PLACES

Planning a picnic in a park or campground? It’s a good idea to keep your pooch on-leash at all times. Pets often get overwhelmed in public or crowded places, so keeping them leashed and close to you will help ease the minds of everyone, your furry friend included.

Always double-check the campsite or park rules if you plan to allow your dog off-leash.

2. BRING YOUR PET INSIDE FOR BREAKS AT HOME

If you’re having a good ol’ fashioned backyard picnic at home, your pet will likely be more comfortable in this familiar environment. But remember, it’s important to take a break from the summer heat and head indoors every now and then for a chance to chill.

Letting your pet cool down inside during a hot summer day will help prevent them from getting heat exhaustion or heat stroke, and may even keep your pet from panicking while picnicking. Learn the signs of canine heat stroke.

3. WATCH YOUR PET AROUND GRILLS AND FIRES

Ahhh… the smell of hotdogs and burgers on the grill. Yup, it’s sure to also tempt that little sniffing snout you’ve come to love so much. It’s important to not leave your pet unattended around any fire or grill to avoid burn risk.

Ideally, you should let your pet stay inside before the grill or fire is started. If that’s not possible, keep your pet friends crated, tethered, or leashed around an open fire. Make sure your fellow picnic guests keep an eye out for your hungry hound while cooking, too.

4. KEEP YOUR PET INDOORS DURING FIREWORKS

If fireworks are a part of your picnic plan, it’s best to keep your pawsome pal indoors. Even pets who are not normally afraid of fireworks in the distance may be scared of hearing them up close.

If you’re camping out and don’t have access to a secure building or structure, keep your pet crated during fireworks and away from all the noise. This obviously isn’t a perfect situation, but it’s better than risking your pet getting spooked and running away.

5. BRING DOGS ONLY, IN MOST CASES

As the designated (hu)man’s best friend, dogs are the best pets to tag along for a picnic. Do not bring your cat, ferret, rabbit, snake, or other type of pet to an outdoor picnic.

There are some exceptions of course. If your pet is  experienced in the outdoors and loves a picnic, then it may just be okay for them to join you. Service animals can also be welcome guests!

6. DO NOT SHARE HUMAN FOODS OR DRINKS WITH YOUR PET

While it may be tempting to give your pet some human food or drink, it’s best to avoid it during a picnic. Be on the lookout for any relatives or friends who may also be in the sharing mood — those puppy-dog eyes can be hard to resist! And of course, there’s always the risk of pets snagging a bite for themselves!

While many types of picnic foods are actually safe enough for pets to nibble at now and then, there’s always the risk of your little guy accidentally consuming a forbidden food item. Especially be on the lookout for corn cobs and BBQ skewers, as these are common picnic culprits that bring dog owners into our ER.

CALL VEG FOR IF YOUR PET IS INJURED DURING A PICNIC

Most of the time, summer picnics with pets are a breeze, and you don’t have anything to worry about. However, being prepared for any potential hazards ahead of time can help keep you, your pet, and everyone else at the picnic safe, secure and happy.

If anything goes wrong during a picnic with your pet, don’t wait it out; see a VEG emergency veterinarian. Even if the issue turns out to be nothing major, it’s best to stop by VEG when you’re uncertain or if there are significant risks involved.

If you have any questions or need additional summer picnic safety tips, contact our team at VEG. We have locations all over the country that are open 24/7. Each VEG location is staffed with compassionate team members who want your pet to be calm, cool, and fit for summer shenanigans!