09/03/2026
Memorial Day weekend is a popular time for road trips, cookouts, camping, and lake days. If your dog is joining the adventure, a little preparation can help keep them safe and comfortable.
🚗 DO: Plan Ahead
Make sure vaccinations and parasite prevention are up to date. Pack food, water, medications, a leash, bowls, waste bags, and a familiar toy or blanket. Check that your dog’s ID tags and microchip information are current.
🚫 DON’T: Travel Unprepared
Research pet-friendly hotels and destinations ahead of time. If your dog isn’t used to car rides, start with shorter trips before tackling a long journey.
🚙 DO: Secure Your Dog
Use a properly secured crate or a crash-tested harness in the back seat. Take regular breaks for water, exercise, and bathroom trips.
🚫 DON’T: Let Your Dog Ride Loose
An unrestrained dog can be seriously injured in a crash or become a dangerous distraction. Never transport a dog loose in a pickup truck bed.
☀️ DO: Watch the Heat
Bring plenty of fresh water and watch for excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, confusion, or collapse. These can be signs of heatstroke and require immediate veterinary attention.
🚫 DON’T: Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car
Temperatures inside a vehicle can become dangerously high very quickly even on relatively mild days. Cracking the windows does not make it safe.
🏖️ DO: Supervise Around Water
If you’re heading to the lake or pool, keep your dog supervised. A properly fitted canine life jacket is recommended for boating and swimming, especially for dogs that aren't strong swimmers. Rinse your dog with fresh water after swimming.
🚫 DON’T: Share the Cookout
Keep your dog away from chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, xylitol, alcohol, fatty foods, bones, skewers, and food scraps. Secure trash cans and remind guests not to feed your dog without permission.
🦟 DO: Protect Against Parasites
Outdoor adventures increase exposure to fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and heartworm disease. Keep your dog current on veterinarian-recommended prevention.
🐾 DON’T: Forget Downtime
Busy gatherings and unfamiliar places can be overwhelming. Give your dog a quiet, comfortable place to rest when they need a break.
We hope you and your family have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend!