Memorial Day Safety Tips for Your Dog
Memorial Day Safety Tips for Your Dog
How to Celebrate Safely with Your Four-Legged Family Member
Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer—a time for barbecues, parades, fireworks, and family gatherings. It’s a weekend many of us look forward to all year: sunny afternoons, cold drinks, sizzling grills, and time spent with those we love most. But while we’re busy celebrating, our dogs often face a completely different experience—one filled with overwhelming sounds, tempting (but toxic) foods, and a sudden break from routine.
At Ridgeside K9 Charlottesville, we believe dogs should be part of the celebration—not an afterthought. And that starts with thoughtful preparation and proactive training. Here’s how to make sure your dog stays calm, safe, and included in all the right ways this Memorial Day.
Mind the Menu
Holiday cookouts are packed with smells and snacks that will have your dog’s nose working overtime—but that doesn’t mean they should indulge. Many popular foods served at Memorial Day gatherings are dangerous for dogs. Onions and garlic (common in marinades and dips), grapes and raisins (often found in fruit salads), corn cobs (a choking hazard), and cooked bones (which can splinter and cause internal damage) are all major risks.
Even seemingly harmless bites like burger scraps or fatty meats can lead to pancreatitis or digestive upset. Rather than risking an emergency vet visit, prepare a dog-friendly treat ahead of time. Frozen peanut butter yogurt bites, homemade dog-safe popsicles, or a simple bowl of chopped carrots and blueberries can make your pup feel included without compromising their health.
Safe Spaces for Fireworks
One of the most common reasons dogs go missing on Memorial Day weekend? Fireworks. While exciting for humans, fireworks can trigger intense anxiety in dogs, leading to escape attempts, pacing, shaking, or destructive behavior.
To prepare, designate a quiet, enclosed space in your home where your dog feels safe. Add cozy bedding, close the curtains, play white noise or calming music, and provide a long-lasting chew toy or puzzle to help them self-soothe. If your dog has a known fear of loud noises, speak with your vet or trainer ahead of time about calming supplements or desensitization training.
At Ridgeside K9, we offer targeted support for noise anxiety, helping dogs build confidence through exposure therapy and positive reinforcement. It’s never too early—or too late—to start helping your dog feel secure in situations that would normally overwhelm them.
Leash and ID Check
Memorial Day is often filled with comings and goings: guests arriving, kids running through yards, coolers being shuffled in and out of the house. All of that movement makes it easy for a dog to slip through an open gate or door. Even if your yard is fenced, it’s smart to keep your dog leashed when guests are over or when there’s food around—it adds a layer of control in unpredictable situations.
Before the holiday weekend arrives, make sure your dog’s ID tags are secure and up-to-date, and double-check that their microchip information is accurate. If they were to escape in a moment of panic, having reliable contact information can make all the difference in bringing them home quickly.
Training Reinforcements
Even the best dogs need reminders when routines change. The excitement and chaos of a holiday weekend can test your dog’s focus, especially with food and strangers in the mix. Commands like “come,” “place,” and “leave it” become powerful tools for keeping your dog calm and under control.
Our trainers at Ridgeside K9 focus on obedience that works in real life—not just in quiet, distraction-free environments. That means helping your dog learn to stay focused in the middle of a busy backyard party, to settle on their bed during dinner, and to come when called even with a plate of burgers nearby.
A well-trained dog is more than just impressive—they’re safer, more relaxed, and easier to include in the moments that matter most.
Make It a Holiday to Remember—for All the Right Reasons
With just a little planning, Memorial Day can be a joyful, stress-free holiday for everyone in the family—including your dog. Safety doesn’t have to mean exclusion; with the right strategies, your pup can be part of the memories you’re making.
Whether you need help preparing your dog for fireworks, reinforcing basic obedience, or building confidence in high-energy environments, we’re here to help. At Ridgeside K9 Charlottesville, we’re committed to helping dogs live fuller, calmer, more connected lives—365 days a year.
