Dining out with your dog

Dogs are becoming a more common sight at restaurants that offer outdoor seating. Some restaurants even welcome dogs inside!

But before you book a table for yourself and your furry friend, let’s talk about safety.

The American Veterinary Medical Association says you need to think about your dog’s behavior. Is it comfortable around strangers? Does it react well to noisy environments? If not, keeping pets home is the better option.

Next, consider the weather. If it’s hot outside, an A/C-cooled home is a better choice for your furry friend.

The AVMA also advises keeping dogs home if they aren’t up to date on vaccinations, medications, and flea and tick prevention.

To help everyone have a good dining experience, the AVMA says you should:
Call ahead. Do this to confirm the establishment is dog-friendly and hear about any restrictions or requirements, such as keeping pets on a leash.
Keep your food on your plate. A lot of “people foods” aren’t safe for pets, so don’t share your food with your dog. Instead, the AVMA suggests, bring a water bowl, a chew toy and some dog food for your pet. To cut down on the chance of your dog begging for table scraps, feed and walk your dog before you leave for the restaurant. If it’s warm out, consider bringing a towel or pad for your dog to lie on.
Remember that not everyone loves dogs. “Practice good pet etiquette when bringing your dog to public places,” the AVMA says.