Canada Day Pet Safety Tips

Happy Canada Day! Nothing beats a day filled with travel, food, fireworks, and fun — we look forward to it all year long. But while we celebrate, it’s important to remember that this time of year can also pose risks for our pets.

From loud fireworks to tempting picnic foods, pets can encounter many hazards during the festivities. Here are some essential tips to help keep your four-legged family members safe and healthy this Canada Day:

1. Prepare for Crowds and Gatherings

If your pet isn’t used to crowds, new environments and large get-togethers can be stressful. They might react in unexpected ways or get into mischief. Keep your pet on a leash or safely contained to help avoid accidents or escapes.

2. Be Careful with Food

Barbecues and picnics are a summer highlight, but leftover table scraps, bones, and food wrappers can be dangerous for pets. Sudden diet changes or accidental snacking on garbage can lead to stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, or even more serious conditions like bowel obstruction. Keep human food away from curious noses and dispose of garbage securely.

3. Manage Hot Weather Risks

Summer weather, swimming, and bug bites can trigger hot spots, especially in breeds prone to skin issues. Rinse off sand and towel-dry your pet after swimming to help prevent skin irritation. Also, be mindful of pools — pets can accidentally fall in and struggle to get out.

Heat stroke is another serious risk. Pets can only pant and sweat a little through their paw pads, making them very susceptible to overheating. Brachycephalic breeds (with pushed-in faces, like Bulldogs and Boxers) are at even higher risk. Make sure your pet has plenty of water, access to shade or air conditioning, and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day. Cooling mats or damp towels can help — but remember, an overheated pet needs immediate veterinary care. Never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle.

4. Firework Safety

Fireworks are a big part of Canada Day, but they can be terrifying for pets. Here are some firework safety strategies:

• Walk your dog early in the day to avoid firework displays later. Afternoon fireworks aren’t unheard of, so aim for the morning if you can.
• Bring pets inside well before dusk to keep them safe from loud noises and sudden bursts of light.
• Keep patio doors closed to prevent pets from bolting outside in fear.
• If your dog is normally kenneled, monitor them closely for distress — panicking dogs can injure themselves trying to escape.
• Consider setting up a safe, quiet spot for nervous pets, like a basement or a soundproof room, with a TV or radio on to mask the noise.

5. Stay Aware and Monitor

Even with precautions in place, it’s important to keep an eye on your pet throughout the day. Fireworks, unusual food, and hot weather can all change your pet’s behavior in unexpected ways. Check in with them frequently to make sure they’re comfortable and calm.

6. Enjoy Responsibly

Canada Day should be fun for everyone — humans and pets alike! By taking these simple precautions, you’ll help make the celebrations safe, happy, and stress-free for your furry companions.

From all of us at Feeds’n Needs, we wish you and your entire family — fur family included — a wonderful, safe, and happy Canada Day!