While tradition calls for fun at the 4th of July Pet Parade, precautions are necessary for pets and people. The Humane Society of Central Oregon (HSCO) wants pets participating in the parade to remain healthy and safe.
Bring plenty of water and a pet bowl to the pet parade, whether as a participant or a spectator on the curb with your dog. Be willing to adapt your parade plans. Safety 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 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,” said Dr. Bloodworth. Senior, obese, short-muzzled dogs (Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, etc.) and long-haired breeds are discouraged 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 8:30 am; the parade starts at 9:30 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 – look for the orange flags at street intersections.
- 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.
From Bend Park & Recreation: In partnership with the City of Bend, the July 4th Pet Parade is a community tradition since 1924. The parade was canceled in 1943 due to World War II and in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.
Parade Lineup: 8:30 a.m. ★ Parade: 9:30 a.m. – new start time for 2025!
Parade in costume with your pet or stuffed animal on pulled wagons, bikes or trikes or watch all the action on the parade route.
Staging is set for Harmon Park and the route will head north on Harmon to Newport Ave., east on Newport to Wall St. and down Wall to turn and finish at Drake Park. It’s the same parade route used for the Christmas Parade, Veterans Parade and others.
PARADE DETAILS & PARKING:
- No registration necessary.
- Leash up and clean up after your pet.
- No rabbits, cats or aggressive animals.
- Do not give away or sell animals.
- No E-bikes, motorized vehicles, commercial floats, solicitation or distribution of anything, including candy.
- Large animals need to arrive early; trailer parking on Riverside Blvd. Equestrians, please wear helmets.
- Best parking: Outer perimeter of downtown and in parking garage.
- ADA parking at Newport Avenue Church of Christ, downtown parking garage and City of Bend parking lot on Franklin Ave.
- ADA viewing area west of Franklin and Wall St. intersection and at Newport Ave. and Harmon Blvd. intersection.
For additional information on the Pet Parade, visit www.bendparksandrec.org.