Every year on the first Monday in September, folks across the country enjoy celebrating Labor Day with parades, parties, cookouts and last minute vacations. While many of us are a little iffy on the origins and meaning of the holiday, we never want to miss a chance to make a few more summer memories before welcoming the back-to-school season and the coming of Fall.
Labor Day has been a federal holiday since 1894, but the idea came about a few decades earlier, during the height of the Industrial Revolution, when members of the labor movement were organizing strikes and rallies to fight for better working conditions. Today, Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of all American workers – so whether you’re working hard or hardly working on the last long weekend of summer, this day is for you!
Popular festivities for Labor Day weekend are usually outdoors and tend to involve friends, family, food and fireworks. Bonus points if you can add a boat, a body of water, a pool or even a garden hose – especially when it’s still so hot outside. Many of these activities offer a great opportunity to include your dog in the fun, as long as you keep a few safety precautions in mind.
If you are going to be hanging out on or near the water, you’ll want to secure a well-fitting life jacket for your dog. Even for strong swimmers, the heat and excitement can be too much and a life jacket could be a lifesaver. And speaking of water, be sure to bring plenty of clean water, so your dog can stay cool and hydrated.
When it’s time to eat, keep foods that may be harmful or toxic – such as chicken bones, trash, onions or chocolate – away from curious pups. You can bring along some of your dog’s favorite treats, so you’ll have something that’s safe to share with him. After the sun goes down, fireworks may start popping up, but a lot of dogs find them terribly scary. To keep your precious pets from running off and getting lost, be sure they are in a secure location, such as a cozy room or crate, before the show starts.
If you’re going out of town or your celebration plans aren’t exactly dog-friendly, make your reservations now for overnight boarding services here at Seal Beach Animal Hospital. Your pups will be safe and cozy with us, plus they’ll have a blast playing with their furry friends during the day. Holiday weekends fill up quickly, so reserve your spot today!
