Here are a few simple things to keep your pets safe:

1. Watch the grill. The smell of food cooking can be hard for your dog to resist. Make sure your pet doesn’t get too close to the grill.
2. Avoid hot cars. If you are traveling in a car, for a picnic, BBQ, going to the park or visiting family, never, never, never leave a pet in a hot car, even with the windows partially open.
3. Cover the trash. Keep trash covered and away from pets to avoid leftovers and bones, corn cobs, etc. for pets.
4. No table scraps. Resist the temptation to give pets table scraps. Fatty foods can upset tummies, leading to vomiting or diarrhea. Keep dog and cat treats nearby. Never give pets cooked bones; they are a choking hazard, can splinter and result in intestinal problems.
5. Avoid overheating. Provide plenty of water and shade for your pets. If you have concrete or other hard surfaces in your backyard, test them with the palm of your hand. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
6. Take care with alcohol, other toxic substances. This applies to more than just beer and other alcoholic beverages. Other toxic substances like insect repellant, charcoal and lighter fluid may also attract curious pets, so keep them away.
7. Tag and chip your pet. Pets can easily slip out of the door or yard if you have a lot of people over. Make sure information on ID tags is current and that any contact information associated with your pet’s microchip is up to date.
8. Fresh water, no alcohol for pets. Alcohol can be deadly to pets. Make sure empty cans and bottles are in the covered trash. Provide clean fresh water for pets.
9. Sunscreen for pets. Yes, pets can get a sunburn too; use pet-friendly sunscreen or keep them out of the sun.