July safety tips:

1) July is the busiest month of the year for shelters due to lost animals coming in after fireworks.
Keep your dogs and cats inside during fireworks season.
Even deaf animals can be spooked by fireworks with the flashing lights, smell of burning and the percussion of the fireworks going off.
Do not take your dog (even deaf ones) to firework displays-frightened dogs can get out of any harness or collar and run.

2) Swimming-get life jackets for your dogs. They can swim, but like people, can get tired and pulled under by a current and drown.

3) Always make sure your dog is wearing his collar with ID tags while out and about. For added safety, microchips have proven to be lifesavers for dogs picked up by AC and taken to shelters or a local vet.

4) July parks and BBQs. Take your dogs treats along with the dog. Dogs enjoy people foods and enjoy sneaking bits of it. But human foods use spices and ingredients that may cause upset tummies or be poisonous to dogs or cats. Have the Pet poison helpline number available in case he gets into that bowl of grapes or the chocolate cake! http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/ 800-213-6680 (there is a $39/incident fee)

5) If you have a fairhaired pup, be sure to use sunscreen. That fair skin under the fur can burn as easily as yours! There are pet sunscreens at most petstores or online.

6) Always have plenty of fresh drinking water on hand. Your pets and neighboring wildlife will appreciate it!