Bend’s Fourth of July Pet Parade is all about fun – but keeping your pet safe and healthy is important, too

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) --  While tradition calls for fun at the Fourth of July Pet Parade, with temperatures expected to rise over 90 degrees, precautions are necessary for pets and people. The Humane Society of Central Oregon wants pets participating in the parade to remain healthy and safe.

Bring plenty of water and a pet bowl to this year’s pet parade as a participant or sitting on the curb with your dog. Be willing to adapt your parade plans. Some considerations include leaving your pet in a cool home and bringing a stuffed animal instead.

Other options include using a stroller or wagon to pull your pet. Leave the parade route if your pet demonstrates intolerance towards the heat. Watch for your excessive panting, seeking shade, dancing on the hot asphalt, or lying down.

“We all know the dangers of leaving a pet in a hot car, but there are heat concerns when our pets are outdoors,” said Crystal Bloodworth, DVM, of the Humane Society of Central Oregon. “Dogs need to pant to cool themselves, as they do not sweat. This isn’t always enough, however, as cool water and shade can help. Paying attention to your pet while outdoors in the heat is critical to ensuring a fun day for everyone.”

Senior, obese, short muzzled dogs (Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, etc.) and long-haired breeds are discouraged from participating in extreme heat.  Another concern in high temperatures is hot asphalt, which can cause damage to paw pads.

Tips for keeping your pet comfortable at the Pet Parade include:

•          Before and after the parade, find a cool, shaded place to rest.

•          Do not arrive too early: staging begins at 9:00 am; the parade starts at 10:00 am.

•          Bring plenty of cool water for you and your pet. Water will be available at parade staging area and HSCO will provide water en route – just look for the orange flags.

•          Utilize dog cooling vests, dog booties, misting or wetting your dog down.

•          Allow dogs to cool off in the water pools at the staging area and finish.

•          Get creative and place your pet in a shaded, decorated stroller or wagon to keep them off of the hot asphalt.

•          Watch for signs of your pet’s paw pads overheating or soreness - picking-up paws, seeking shade and avoiding walking by sitting or lying down.

•          Do not leave your pet in the car, not even for a few minutes.

•          Learn to recognize the signs of heat stroke: Faster, heavier panting; excessive thirst and/or drooling with hanging strands of saliva; whining or signs of agitation; decreased responsiveness; glassy eyes; increased pulse/ heartbeat; elevated body temperature and staggering, weakness, collapse, seizures and/or unconsciousness.

•          If your pet shows heat-related symptoms, immediately go to a shaded area or a dog-friendly business that may let your dog cool in the air conditioned store so you can assess your pet’s condition.

If you think your pet will be challenged by warm temperatures, BPRD and the Humane Society of Central Oregon encourage you to leave your pet at home.

Should you need any emergency veterinary services over the holiday weekend, there are two emergency animal clinics in Bend, Bend Animal Emergency Center and Specialty Center (541 385-9110) and Veterinary Referral Center Urgent Care (541 209-6960) or call your veterinarian.

For additional information on the Pet Parade, visit www.bendparksandrec.org.