Memorial Day weekend is basically the official kickoff to summer around Columbia. That means cookouts, lake days, backyard parties, and enough hot weather to make everyone question why they live in South Carolina in the first place.
While the holiday weekend is fun for humans, it can also be a little chaotic for pets. At WAG Vet, we see a lot of holiday-related pet emergencies this time of year — and many of them are completely preventable.
So before your dog steals a hot dog off the grill or your cat panic-hides during fireworks season, here are a few Memorial Day pet safety tips to help keep your furry little troublemakers safe.
Watch the Cookout Food
We know. Your dog believes every burger at the barbecue belongs to them personally.
But holiday foods are one of the biggest causes of emergency vet visits during Memorial Day weekend. Cooked bones, fatty meats, onions, chocolate desserts, grapes, alcohol, and greasy table scraps can all cause serious stomach upset — or worse.
And listen… if your pet eats one chip off the floor, they’ll probably survive. If they inhale half a tray of barbecue leftovers while nobody’s looking? That’s usually when things get expensive.
Pro tip:
Remind guests not to feed pets under the table. Your dog already has enough confidence without strangers enabling them.
Grills + Pets = Chaos Potential
The smell of food on the grill turns otherwise reasonable pets into tiny furry criminals.
Hot grills, skewers, grease drippings, lighter fluid, and dropped food can all become hazards during backyard gatherings. If possible, create a pet-free zone around the grill area — especially if your dog’s personality type is “absolutely no impulse control.”
Trust us:
Nobody wants Memorial Day to end with an emergency visit because somebody ate a kabob stick.
Columbia Heat Is No Joke
By Memorial Day, Columbia is already entering “walk outside and immediately regret your choices” season.
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke can happen quickly, especially for:
- Flat-faced breeds
- Senior pets
- Thick-coated dogs
- Overweight pets
Make sure pets always have access to shade and fresh water, and avoid long outdoor play sessions during the hottest parts of the day.
Signs of overheating can include:
- Excessive panting
- Drooling
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Bright red gums
- Collapse
If your pet seems overheated, move them indoors immediately and contact your veterinarian right away.
And yes — we’re saying it again:
Do not leave pets in parked cars. Not even for “just a minute.”
Fireworks Can Be Scary for Pets
Fireworks season is fun for humans and deeply offensive to most pets.
Loud noises can trigger anxiety, stress, hiding, or escape attempts. Even pets who normally seem calm can panic unexpectedly.
During fireworks:
- Keep pets indoors
- Create a quiet, comfortable space
- Use calming music or white noise
- Double-check collars and ID tags
- Make sure microchip information is current
Every summer, scared pets go missing after fireworks. Don’t let your pet become one of them.
Fleas, Ticks & Mosquitoes Are Back
Unfortunately, Memorial Day also marks the return of peak parasite season in South Carolina.
Mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks are more than annoying — they can spread serious diseases like heartworm disease and tick-borne illnesses.
If your pet is overdue for prevention, wellness care, or medication refills, now is the perfect time to schedule an appointment before summer gets fully underway.
Trust Your Gut
If your pet seems “off” during the holiday weekend, trust your instincts.
You know your pet better than anyone. Whether it’s vomiting after a cookout, acting lethargic after being outside, or suddenly behaving differently, it’s always okay to call us.
At WAG Vet, we’d much rather answer questions early than have you stressing at home while your dog stares at you after eating something wildly questionable.
Keeping Columbia Pets Safe This Summer
At WAG Vet, we love helping Columbia pets stay healthy, safe, and just the right amount of chaotic all summer long.
If you have questions about summer safety, preventative care, travel plans, anxiety management, or your pet’s health, our team is here for you.
Have a safe Memorial Day weekend… and maybe keep the burger tray a little farther from the edge of the counter this year.