School is out and it is time for summer fun!  First up, fireworks and BBQs for the Fourth of July!  To help you enjoy the holiday, we scoured the internet for the best Fourth of July dog safety tips. Read on!   

According to Petfinder, more dogs get lost over the Fourth of July than any other time of the year. ID tags and microchips are key to getting them home quickly.  Take a moment now to inspect your pet's tags for legibility and secure attachment. Think about whether your microchip contact information is still current.  While you're at it, take a quick photo of each of your pets so that you have a current picture handy for sharing in an emergency.     

Start thinking about how to help your dog deal with fireworks now.  If your dog trembles, drools, barks, howls, refuses to eat, or has potty accidents when exposed to fireworks, he probably isn't a fan.  Here are some tips and tricks to help your best friend get through the night:   

• Check your local events listings so that you know when and where the professional fireworks will be.  Keep in mind that your dog can hear much better than you and may be bothered by fireworks that seem quite far away.
• In advance of the holiday, check your fences and gates to make sure they are in good repair to minimize the risk of escape.
• When you expect noisy fireworks, stay home to be with your pup.  As you can't predict when your neighbors will decide to enjoy their stash, you might need to plan a few evenings home around the holiday. 
• Avoid taking your dog out to see professional fireworks. The crowd and the proximity of the explosions can be terrifying for a dog who seems indifferent at home. 
• Never use consumer fireworks, legal or otherwise, at home near your dog. 
• Before the fireworks start, go out on a walk with your dog to help relieve stress and promote relaxation.
• Keep your dog indoors during the fireworks.  Lock dog doors so that he can't unexpectedly run out and jump the fence.  If you have to take your dog out for a potty break during the fireworks, do it on a leash, even in the back yard, and don't leave him alone. 
• Give your pup access to a safe place in the house, perhaps a bathroom, closet, crate or basement.  Any place that is quiet and pleasant to your dog will work.  Place blankets, toys, and other comforts there in advance.
• Close all doors, windows, and curtains to minimize the noise in the house and to prevent escape.
• Turn on the radio or TV for background noise.  Play soft, soothing music.  War movies can wait. 
• Try not to react or appear overly worried.  Dogs look to their people for guidance.  Be comforting, but carefree.   
• Spend time talking to your dog in a soothing and reassuring voice.  If you have a quiet time ritual like a massage or snuggle, offer it up as a distraction.
• Bundle your pup up in a thunder shirt before the fireworks actually start and have calming herbal remedies such as Rescue Remedy on hand.   
• If your dog has severe issues, talk with your vet about prescription doggy tranquilizers in advance so you can have them on hand.

Parties are much more fun with the entire family.  But consider carefully whether a party is right for your dog.  If your dog is timid or shy, he might prefer to stay home or stay in a bedroom away from guests.  If you're sure your pup is up for it, consider these party safety tips to keep your pup safe:

• Place an ex pen just inside or outside the front door for added protection against escape when guests use the door.
• Limit your pet's intake of potentially dangerous human food by offering guests healthy doggie treats to give your pup instead. 
• Never let your guests give your pup alcoholic drinks.  It's extremely unhealthy and it takes so little to intoxicate them.  Ask your guests not to leave their drinks unattended so that Fido can't slip a sip. 
• Check insect repellents to see if they are safe to have around dogs and be sure your guests place them out of reach.  Put a label on the bottle that says something like "Not Dog Safe."   Remember citronella can cause respiratory and neurological problems in dogs.  In fact, the ASPCA includes citronella candles on its list of pet poisons.   
• Ask your party guests to leave all illegal and legal fireworks at home.  Never use fireworks near dogs.  If you must use fireworks, please keep your dog inside and consider the tips above to minimize his stress. 
• Keep glow jewelry out of hound's reach as the active ingredients can cause gastrointestinal problems. 
• Keep an eye on your BBQ supplies, including raw meat, charcoal, matches and lighter fluid. All are potentially dangerous to dogs. If possible, BBQ in an area of the yard to which the dogs will not have access. 
• Consider using plastic or paper cups if you're entertaining on a hard surface like a patio. Tipsy guests are infamous for dropping glasses and useless when it comes to protecting dog paws from the broken glass. 
• Be sure to take care with your dog around pools and other water.  If your dog hasn't had water experience, he might not be a strong swimmer and might not know how to get out of a pool once he is in it.  If you're out on a boat with your pup, have him wear a doggie life vest and make sure you are comfortable making an overboard rescue. 

Parties and fireworks aren't the only safety hazards for dogs during the fun summer months.  Remember to always practice dog heat safety and to be alert for signs of heat stroke in your dog.  If you live in a brush fire prone area, make sure your fire safety plan is up to date and includes your dogs.  Be sure to clear defensible space and be extra vigilant when fireworks make an accidental fire more likely.  Have a wonderful and safe summer!   

If you have been considering fostering, or know someone who is considering fostering, now would be a great time to jump in! If you can help, please contact Jennifer Vilches at jennifer@vilches.org.

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