At Dan’s Pet Care, we always look forward to summertime festivals and fairs. After all, Long Island is home to some of the best festivals in the whole country — although we might be a little biased. From livestock to rides and delicious food, fairs, and festivals are a great opportunity to walk with family and friends and enjoy quality time in the sunshine. They’re even better when you bring along your furry best friend!

However, festivals and fairs aren’t always the safest places for your dog. With some planning and foresight, you can eliminate many of the risks involved and be prepared for threats you can’t remove. Keep reading to learn more about common safety concerns at festivals and fairs, and how you can protect your dog while enjoying the outdoor fun.

Know your dog

It’s important to be honest with yourself about your dog’s unique personality and needs. Your dog might be calm and sweet at home, but react negatively to loud, crowded environments. Before taking your dog to a large outdoor festival, acclimate them to public events in a smaller setting, like a local park. If your dog is happier at home, Dan’s Pet Care can provide pet sitting, doggy daycare, and other options to keep them safe and happy while you’re away.

Keep your dog harnessed at all times - especially in crowds

Your dog might be perfectly well-mannered, even when they’re off their leash. But you can never predict what other fair attendees might do — or what their pets might do. Keep your dog leashed at all times to prevent any disasters. Instead of relying on a collar, use a harness that circles your dog’s whole body. This will provide more control for you and more comfort for your dog.

Start slow

Before immediately joining the crowd, keep your dog on the outskirts of the action at first. Give them a chance to explore and sniff around before you go any further. While you’re at the festival, offer plenty of treats, rewards and positive affirmation. This will help your dog see the whole event as something positive and exciting.

Stay aware of heat and weather conditions

Offer your dog water frequently in hot weather — carrying a collapsible water dish can make this easy and convenient. Keep in mind that temperatures above 89 degrees Fahrenheit may make it unsafe to walk your dog. Give your dog frequent breaks during hot weather, and carry items that will help you — and them — cool off if needed. Umbrellas can provide shade in areas that lack tree cover, and cooling vests can also help you and your dog stay safe. In case of rain, be sure to pack towels to dry off your dog before the ride home!

Keep your dog from eating people food - especially on Fair grounds

Fairs and festivals are famous for their wide array of food options. However, although deep-fried, greasy treats are delicious and tempting for both you and your dog, they’re often unsafe for dogs to eat. The fun of sharing a treat with your dog isn’t worth a bout of diarrhea or vomiting, or a trip to the vet’s office. Keep a close eye out for discarded food on the ground or in trash cans, too. Of course, it’s a good idea to bring along plenty of treats that your dog can safely enjoy. That way, they don’t have to miss out while you’re having a meal or snack!

Make sure your dog is easily identified

Your dog’s ID tags should be firmly secured to their collar, in case the two of you get separated. Take a good look at your dog’s tag to make sure your contact information is easy to find and read. It’s also a good idea to ensure your dog’s microchip is up to date before heading out for an adventure.

Leave early if necessary

If your dog is showing signs of stress or discomfort, it’s time to leave the festival and head to a calmer location. If you keep your dog in a stressful situation longer than they can handle, they will definitely remember the experience. This may make it harder to attend other fairs and festivals with your dog in the future. Instead, follow your dog’s cues and keep the experience positive.

Need a helping hand?

When you need a pet care partner, Dan’s Pet Care is here to help. As Long Island’s premiere pet care service, we can provide pet sitting, day care, grooming, walks, and much more. Contact us today to get started!