Top tips for taking your dog to a Pride event this summer

In case you didn’t already know, June is Pride Month. Each year, Pride Month brings together people (and pets!) from all walks of life to celebrate the wonderfulness of being part of the vibrant, inclusive, LGBTQIA+ community.

From festivals to parades, Pride Month is celebrated at a variety of venues across the UK throughout the month of June. Fortunately, for those of us who are pet parents, plenty of Pride events are dog-friendly, too – meaning your best fur-iend doesn’t have to miss out on the fun!

It’s important, however, to keep in mind the following considerations before heading to a Pride event with your dog…

Make sure your dog is comfortable around crowds

For some dogs, crowds and bustling locations are frightening or stressful. So, before you embark on an adventure to a Pride event with your pup, venture to new places with them to see how they cope in different environments. 

Knowing the signs of stress in dogs is essential too, so you can make sure your canine companion feels comfortable and calm while out and about. Here are a few behaviours that could suggest your dog is stressed:

• Licking their lips or nose.
• Turning their head away from you.
• Rolling over to show their belly.
• Pinning their ears to their head or tail between their legs.
• Showing signs of aggression, e.g. growling or snapping. 

If you notice that your dog is showing any signs of stress, then they may feel better if you take them somewhere peaceful to calm down.

Research the venue beforehand

Even if a Pride event is advertised as being dog-friendly, it’s worth checking that there are plenty of quiet, safe spaces to take your four-legged friend to:

• Rest in the shade.
• Escape the crowds.
• Toilet in peace. 
• Drink water.
• Enjoy a snack.

Plus, it’s essential to check event rules and restrictions before taking your dog with you to a Pride celebration. The rules and restrictions in place could influence your decision as to whether your canine companion would be comfortable at the event.

Check the weather forecast

Although the British summer weather is unpredictable, there’s a greater risk of heatstroke for dogs who spend time in the sun or warm indoor environments. Since Pride Month happens in June, there’s a chance the weather will be sunny and hot when you’re planning to take your pooch to an event. 

Here are some of the signs of heatstroke to look out for in dogs:

• Excessive panting.
• Confusion.
• Wobbliness or trembling.
• Lethargy (extreme lack of energy).
• Vomiting or foaming at the mouth.

Please contact a vet immediately if your dog is showing signs of heatstroke.

To protect your dog from suffering heatstroke, you could:

• Make sure they have constant access to cool drinking water.
• Avoid spending time outdoors during the hottest times of the day.
• Keep them in the shade as much as possible. 

Consider alternatives to a costume 

While it can seem fun to dress up our canine companions to help us feel like they’re part of Pride celebrations, we have to think about how they’ll feel. Since the weather is likely to be hot when you head to a Pride celebration with your pup, it’s a great idea to opt for an alternative to a costume. For example, you could:

• Add a rainbow bandana to their collar (careful not to hide your dog’s ID!).
• Decorate their collar, lead, or harness – in a way that won’t impact your dog’s comfort or affect their range of movement. 
• Use rainbow-coloured accessories, e.g. portable water container, poop bags, picnic blanket to rest on, etc.

Event checklist 

Here are a few tasks to tick off your to-do list ahead of the Pride celebration you’re planning to attend with your four-legged friend:

• Check that your dog’s microchip details are up to date, just in case you get separated during the event.
• If you’re travelling further afield, find out the location and contact information for the nearest vet practice, which you’ll need to know in the event of an emergency. 
• Make travel arrangements and book accommodation (if needed) in advance, so you’ll know your dog will be comfortable throughout your adventure.  

Now that you’re all set to enjoy a pet-friendly Pride celebration with your doggo, it’s time to check you’ve prepared everything you’ll need to take with you on the day. 

Not only is it important to remember the following items to help keep your dog safe, but it’s essential to make sure your dog stays comfortable and happy as well:

• Collar with ID tag.
• Harness.
• Lead.
• Water and travel-safe water dish.
• Food and treats.
• Poop bags. 
• Dog-safe sunscreen.
• Portable dog bed/blanket.
• Medication (if needed).
• Canine first aid kit.

Are you celebrating Pride with your pup this year? If so, we’d love for you to share your story with us on socials! You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter).