It's Summer time & the 4th of July is right around the corner. That means backyard barbeques, block parties & fireworks. All of which can be overwhelming for your pets.

If youre planning on hosting a cookout, here are some tips to keep it safe for your pets & your company.

If you have a dog thats not friendly, the best place for them is either in the house in or in their crate. Theyll be more comfortable there & you wont have to worry about them accidentally harming your guests.

However, if you have friendly dogs, manners are the first thing you should be concerned with because not everyone is as fond of your dogs as you are. They should be well trained to not jump up, stay away from the food and obey on command. This makes the cookout enjoyable for everyone. Politely ask your guests not to give your dog any scraps or alcohol as you may end up with a very sick dog at the end of the night. If youre a guest at a cookout, dont assume your dog is invited. Some people have dog friendly gatherings, but only bring your dog if they were invited & theyre well behaved.

At most parties on the 4th of July you can expect there to be fireworks. Either provided by the host, or viewing of the citys fireworks. Not all dogs are OK with the loud noise. If yours is afraid, your best option is to leave them at home. If theres fireworks at the party your at, be wary of sparklers and kids throwing firecrackers. Retrievers will typically go after anything thats thrown, and it can have deadly results. Supervising your pets when its time to light the fireworks is your safest bet.

Summer gatherings with friends are a fun time, and whether youre hosting one or going to one, make it a safe party with your pet.