Summer Parties, Dogs and Kids: What You Need to Know For Fun and Safety

School’s out, the summer is in full swing and the 4th of July is just days away. If you haven’t been to or hosted a summer get-together yet, you’ll probably be attending your first in a matter of days. It’s bound to be lots of fun. Who doesn’t love music, good food and spending time with friends against the backdrop of sunny weather and fireworks? Actually, I can think of someone who might not want an invite to this party: the family dog.

The 4th of July is a particularly stressful day for dogs for many reasons, and it’s no surprise that it’s the one day of the year when the highest number of pets get loose or go missing. Even setting aside the potentially terrifying and disorienting fireworks, there are many potential stressors and triggers at the average barbecue or pool party that can make for a not-so-fun time. Let’s review a few of them together so that you can troubleshoot your party.

Unknown Dogs and Kids

Whenever we bring unacquainted dogs and children into the same place, we create the potential for misunderstandings and accidents. Not all children are dog savvy, and many dogs don’t have much experience around kids- or the experiences they have had haven’t been pleasant. Even if your dog has children in the home, the tolerance your dog has for your child won’t automatically be extended to strangers or new environments. Younger guests might be afraid of dogs, and need a space where they can be sure they won’t have to interact with one. Running around and shouting are to be expected when a group of kids gets together, but these behaviors can create anxiety, stress and hypervigilance in dogs who might want to join in the chase or control the chaos.

Whether you’re the host or the guest, if there is a dog in attendance at a party, it’s essential that one or more adults be actively supervising the kids at all times. We can’t rely on dogs or children to know whether they’re making safe choices. The noise and commotion of a party is a prime environment for accidents to happen, or for dogs and kids to get overwhelmed. Be ready to step in if things are getting too wild.

Food

It’s not a summer soiree without good food, right? The 4th is a major grilling holiday, and most backyard barbecues aren’t complete without lots of snacks, sides and a cooler full of sodas and alcohol. Any dog is going to be tempted by the presence of all that yummy smelling stuff, and the typically lax supervision that comes with a party often means dogs have access to abandoned plates full of things they shouldn’t eat. Alcohol, fatty foods and things like corn cobs and bones all pose the threat of obstruction or making your dog ill. Many dogs regard these special foods as high value, and trying to get something back after they’ve taken it may be challenging or impossible.

We especially want to eliminate the potential for unsafe behavior around food and kids, who tend to walk around with their food or drop things on the floor. My suggestion here is to make sure guests are vigilant about minding their plates and properly disposing of food scraps in a secure garbage can as soon as they’re done. Children should sit down to eat and be chaperoned by an adult until they’re finished. Ideally, dogs would take a break inside to enjoy their own dinner while guests are eating.

Hot Weather

Some people get cranky in the heat, and dogs are no exception. Dogs have preferences, and some of them don’t love the great outdoors during the muggy summer months. For certain breeds (Frenchies, Bulldogs, Pugs, etc) and types of dogs (seniors, dogs with double coats) even a little bit of heat and humidity can be challenging. This discomfort can cause dogs to be more stressed or irritable than normal, which means they may not be as interested in socializing or being pet. This grumpiness may be especially apparent if they’re being approached by strangers, including unfamiliar children.

All dogs are at risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke above a certain temperature and with prolonged exposure. It’s important to know when your dog is getting too warm and needs a break inside. Monitor your dog’s behavior carefully for signs of excessive panting and drooling, and act quickly to cool them down if they show signs of lethargy, weakness or unsteadiness on their feet. Shade and fresh water are an absolute requirement if there is a dog joining the party, and I strongly suggest that dogs remain inside during the hottest part of the day. Dogs aren’t very good at managing themselves in the heat so it’s up to us humans to keep them safe and comfortable.

It’s Ok For Your Dog to RSVP ‘No’

We dog lovers derive a lot of joy from being with our pups, but not every environment is a fun one for dogs. Don’t feel as if your dog has to join in on the festivities. Many dogs will be much more comfortable and content in a cool, calm space of their own than if they’re thrust into a throng of strangers and expected to be on their best behavior.

If you have concerns or doubts about how your dog will do at a party, leave them home! Even dogs who like most people can get overstimulated and will begin to struggle in a noisy crowd or around young children. Your dog will be just fine on their own for a few hours, and it’ll be less stressful for both of you.

No matter where you’re spending the holiday, make sure your dog is wearing a collar with identification and up to date contact information. You can never be too careful!

For additional resources and education on all things dog and child safety, visit the Family Paws website!