Memorial Day weekend is kind of the unofficial kickoff to summer around Irmo. That means backyard cookouts, time on the lake, family gatherings, and at least one dog convinced they personally deserve every hamburger coming off the grill.
While holiday weekends are a lot of fun, they can also bring a few unexpected risks for pets. At Irmo Vet, we see plenty of preventable pet emergencies this time of year, so a little preparation can go a long way in helping your furry family members stay safe and comfortable.
Watch the Cookout Food
Listen… we know your dog believes the barbecue was planned specifically for them.
But holiday foods can quickly cause problems for pets. Cooked bones, fatty meats, onions, chocolate desserts, grapes, alcohol, and greasy table scraps can all lead to stomach upset — or worse.
Even pets with stomachs made of steel can get sick after a holiday snack binge. And while sneaking one tiny bite may seem harmless, we all know how quickly “one bite” turns into “who left the entire plate unattended?”
It also helps to remind guests not to feed pets under the table. Your dog already has enough confidence as it is.
Keep Pets Safe Around the Grill
Hot grills, skewers, grease drippings, and dropped food can all become hazards during outdoor gatherings. Curious pets tend to stay right where the action is — especially if hot dogs are involved.
Creating a safe space away from the grill can help prevent burns, injuries, and emergency trips nobody wanted to make over a kabob stick.
South Carolina Heat Is No Joke
By Memorial Day, South Carolina is already warming up fast. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke can happen quickly, especially for senior pets, flat-faced breeds, overweight pets, and dogs with thick coats.
Make sure your pets always have access to fresh water and shade, and try to limit outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day.
Signs of overheating may include:
- Excessive panting
- Drooling
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Bright red gums
- Collapse
If your pet seems overheated, move them into a cool area and contact your veterinarian right away.
And as your friendly neighborhood vet reminder:
Never leave pets in parked cars. Not even “for just a second.”
Fireworks Can Be Stressful for Pets
For humans, fireworks are festive. For pets, they’re often deeply suspicious explosions happening for no good reason.
Loud noises can cause anxiety, hiding, pacing, or escape attempts — even in pets who are normally calm.
During fireworks, keep pets indoors in a quiet, secure area and make sure collars, ID tags, and microchip information are all current. Every summer, pets go missing after getting frightened by fireworks, so taking a few extra precautions really matters.
Don’t Forget Summer Preventative Care
Memorial Day weekend also marks the return of peak flea, tick, and mosquito season here in South Carolina.
Staying current on heartworm prevention and parasite control is one of the best ways to protect your pet throughout the summer months. If your pet is due for a wellness exam, medication refill, or preventative care visit, now’s a great time to get it scheduled.
Trust Your Instincts
You know your pet better than anyone else. If something feels off — whether it’s vomiting after a cookout, acting unusually tired, or just “not acting like themselves” — trust your instincts and give us a call.
At Irmo Vet, we’d always rather answer a question early than have you worrying at home while your dog stares proudly at you after eating something wildly questionable.
Keeping Irmo Pets Safe This Summer
At Irmo Vet, we’re proud to care for the pets and people who make this community feel like home. Whether you need help with summer safety, preventative care, anxiety management, or unexpected concerns, our team is here for you every step of the way.
We hope you and your pets have a safe, happy, and relaxing Memorial Day weekend together. And maybe keep the burger tray a little farther from the edge of the counter this year.