Thrive Pet Healthcare Shares Expert Advice to Help Your Furry Friend Enjoy the Festivities
AUSTIN, Texas—August 27, 2024 – Labor Day is just around the corner and Thrive Pet Healthcare is here to help you make sure your dog is part of the festivities. Whether you’re firing up the grill or relaxing with friends, it’s important to keep your pup safe and happy as you celebrate together.
"We believe dogs are cherished family members, and there's no reason they can't join in the fun during special occasions like Labor Day," says Dr. Anthony Coronado, Thrive Pet Healthcare’s Vice President of Emergency Medicine. "By following a few simple guidelines, pet owners can create memorable moments while keeping their canine friends safe and happy."
Foods to Avoid Giving Your Dog
Labor Day cookouts can be a blast for everyone, including your beloved four-legged friends. But not all foods are safe for them. Keep these toxic treats off your dog’s plate:
Onions, garlic, shallots, leeks and chives
Grapes and raisins
Avocados
Chocolate
Corn cobs (they can, and frequently do, cause an intestinal blockage)
Alcohol (watch out for diet drinks and foods sweetened with xylitol as this artificial sweetener is very toxic to dogs!)
Caffeine (includes soft drinks, iced tea, energy drinks, coffee and chocolate drinks)
Raw meat (can contain harmful bacteria like salmonella and E. coli)
Cooked bones (they can splinter and cause choking or internal injuries)
Sausages and fatty meats
Fatty meat drippings (rich in oils that can cause pancreatitis)
Potato salad (may contain onions, garlic powder or other unsafe ingredients)
Mustard (can upset your dog’s stomach). A little is not a worry but a bottle can be a problem!
Ketchup (often contains garlic, onions and preservatives). A little is not a worry but a bottle can be a problem!
Barbeque sauce (loaded with salt, sugar and harmful alliums, which can lead to pancreatitis and anemia)
Ice cream (many dogs are lactose intolerant, and it’s full of sugar)
Moderate to large amounts of salty snacks like potato chips, pretzels and peanuts (can lead to sodium poisoning)
Dog-Friendly Cookout Foods
No need to leave your dog out of the feast! Here are some safe and tasty treats you can share:
Fresh fruit: blueberries, bananas, cantaloupe, watermelon and apples (without seeds)
Unseasoned raw or cooked veggies
Cooked, unseasoned fish, pork, shrimp, and skinless chicken or turkey in small amounts.
Hot dogs (in small pieces and quantities)
Small amounts of cheese, especially lower-fat varieties like mozzarella
Raw, unsalted peanut butter (make sure it’s NOT sweetened with xylitol)
Unsalted, unbuttered popcorn
Tips for a Paws-itively Safe Labor Day
Make sure your dog enjoys the day as much as you do with these simple tips:
Keep your dog on a leash or under close watch
Monitor the grill and keep charcoal out of reach
Secure food waste and trashcans
Let guests (including children) know not to feed your dog
Provide a quiet space for your dog to retreat if things get overwhelming
Don’t Forget the Heat
Take measures to protect your dog from the heat. Provide plenty of water and shade when outside. Keep your dog indoors during the hottest part of the day.
“In some parts of the country, this year's Labor Day promises to be hotter than prior years,” said Dr. Coronado. “Dogs are more temperature-sensitive than humans, and their ability to regulate their body temperature is limited. Generally, you shouldn’t keep your dog outside for long periods when the temperature exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Flat-faced breeds such as French bulldogs, pugs, bulldogs and Boston terriers are more prone to heat exhaustion and should be kept indoors when the outside temperature is above 70 degrees Fahrenheit.”
Watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke: excessive panting, collapsing, vomiting after drinking, dark red gums, sudden lethargy, or trouble getting up. In severe cases, you might see seizures, death, bloody diarrhea, frequent vomiting, or unresponsiveness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately to prevent organ shutdown and other severe complications.
Plan for Emergencies
If your dog has a medical emergency over the Labor Day weekend, your regular veterinarian may be closed for the holiday. Keep a list of nearby urgent care and emergency veterinary hospitals handy, especially if you will be celebrating away from home.
Dr. Coronado adds, “When it comes to your pet’s health, regardless of the time of day, never hesitate to contact your veterinarian or emergency veterinary hospital if you suspect your pet has ingested something harmful. A simple phone call could save your pet’s life.”
If your pet ingests a toxic substance, call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661. Their treatment advisors will provide a case number that veterinarians can reference when treating your pet.
Visit
ThrivePetcare.com to find a nearby location offering primary, specialty, urgent, and emergency veterinary care.
About Thrive Pet Healthcare:
Thrive Pet Healthcare is a leading veterinary service community that uniquely delivers a continuum of care to pet families and services to veterinary hospitals. With an industry-first membership program and more than 380 acute, primary, and specialty providers, Thrive Pet Healthcare offers personalized, accessible care through every stage of a pet’s life and health. The veterinarian-founded organization provides premier benefits for practice staff while elevating privately held veterinary hospitals with innovative service and technology solutions. By focusing on the needs and aspirations of veterinary care providers, Thrive Pet Healthcare is supporting the well-being of the industry and raising the national bar for veterinary excellence. To learn more about Thrive Pet Healthcare, please visit
www.thrivepetcare.com.
