Tips to keep your pooch safe during a Fourth of July barbecue

While the Fourth of July inconveniently falls on a Wednesday this year, many dog parents will have the day off and will be eager to enjoy the great outdoors and break out the grill. While this is a great chance for you and your furry friend to get some sun and mingle with family and friends, there are a few dog wellness concerns that come with a gathering of this size. Before you throw those burgers on the grill and crack open a few brews, consider making these accommodations for your companion.

1. Help your pet beat the heat. Dogs can be very sensitive to high temperatures during extended stays in the outdoors. When you're setting up your yard for a barbecue, create a small area for your dog. Set up an umbrella so he or she has a place to escape the sun's rays, and put out a water bowl that your pooch can reach throughout the day.

2. Table scraps. A lot of the grilled fare that you make during your Fourth of July bash may be tempting to your dog, but you should brief guests beforehand not to give any of it to your canine, reports PetSide.com. Some of these foods can be spicy or fatty, which may not agree with your dog's digestive system. If your dog does ingest some of these suspect foods and you're from the New York area, you may want to bring him or her into a Bideawee Animal Hospital. To help avoid one of these trips to the vet, consider feeding your dog before the party starts to help keep him or her at bay when it's time to serve your food.

3. Skip the glow sticks. While it may be fun for your kids to play around with a few glow sticks after dark, these could spell trouble for your dog. These products contain harsh chemicals that pose a potential poison hazard, so you may want to consider leaving them out of your celebration.

4. Secure your yard. With guests coming in and out of your party, make sure that your dog is tied up in a secure location or fenced in, suggests The Dallas Morning News. Ask your guests to go in and out of your home rather than using the gate to ensure that no one leaves it open.