On Canada day, Canadians take a moment to appreciate the country we call home while enjoying this summer day and long weekend.

July 1st could mean camping under the stars or taking a road trip.

Many of us are making plans to include our dogs in our weekend fun!

Here are a few ideas to enjoy the Canada Day weekend with your dog while keeping safety in mind.

1. Avoid fireworks!
   So many dogs are afraid of those loud bangs and pops. But we don’t need to stress them out. There are many great ways to enjoy Canada Day without having to take your dog out to a fireworks display! Also remember to refrain from walking after dark when many families celebrate with fireworks. Walk your dogs as early as possible and bring them inside after dark. If they’re afraid switch on the TV or play music to drown out some of those sounds.
   
   Now on the the fun stuff. . .
   

2. Plan a dog-friendly BBQ
   We all love a BBQ so go ahead and make plans to invite your friends and family over. But let’s keep it dog safe. Here’s how:

Get to know what food scraps are dog-safe. Our dogs love to enjoy food scraps but many food items often served at a BBQ are dangerous to dogs. Here is a short list of foods NOT to give your dog

• Avocados. Avocado trees contain a fungicidal toxin called persin. This toxin is more concentrated in the leaves, pit and skin of an avocado, but there are low levels contained in the flesh as well. Avocados can cause an upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea and myocardial damage.

• Grapes. Grapes can cause kidney failure in dogs and just a small amount can make a dog sick.

• Onions. Onions can kill a dog’s red blood cells, causing anaemia. Eating a lot just once can cause poisoning.

• Cooked chicken bones. These can break and splinter, which can cause your dog to choke and can also puncture the gastrointestinal tract, or get caught in his throat.

• Chocolate – Chocolate can cause a dog to vomit and have diarrhoea. It can also cause heart problems, tremors, seizures, and death.

Luckily, there are plenty of BBQ foods that are perfectly fine for dogs to eat. Go ahead and let them enjoy these treats:

• Hot Dogs

• Hamburgers

• Grilled veggies such as zucchini, potatoes and bell peppers

• Watermelon

• Grilled Meat and Fish

Dog-Safety tips around the BBQ
Here are a few precautions to take when you’re enjoying a Canada Day BBQ with your dogs

• Mosquito repellants can be dangerous. According to the ASPCA, both dogs and cats are sensitive to DEET. Using it could cause neurological problems, such as tremors, seizures, or even death.

• Use covered garbage containers to keep dogs out of the garbage

• Keep foods up high so that dogs cannot access them

• Keep the lid of the BBQ down to prevent curious pups from getting burned

• Keep lighter fluid, charcoal, and matches out of reach

• Secure your dog with a leash, or ask others to watch him/her while you do the grilling

3. Get out of town and hit a dog-friendly beach

Most dogs enjoy the water - so why not plan a visit to the beach with your pup while you take a break from the city. Let your dog explore and enjoy swimming or take a walk along the beach.

To keep your pup safe, be sure to carry beach essentials for dogs:

• A water bowl

• Lots of cool water to drink

• An umbrella for shade

• A towel to dry off your dog.

• Don’t forget the snacks as swimming and walking can make your dog hungry.

Here are a few dog friendly beaches that will get you out of the city but are still within close proximity to Toronto

• Sibbald Point Provincial Park

Sibbald Point is located about an hour northeast of Toronto. It has a large sandy beach on Lake Simcoe and a forested hiking trail. The park also features two beach areas where you are permitted to take your pet.

• Rock Point

Rock Point is located close to Niagara Falls, about an hour’s drive from Toronto. You’ll find three beaches including a pet-friendly beach. Dogs are permitted in the day-use area on the far west end of the beach.

• Wasaga Beach

About a 1/12 hour drive from Toronto is the well known Wasaga Beach. Beach Area 3, is the only section where dogs are permitted. The water is pretty shallow so your dogs can enjoy a nice swim.

4. Host your own pet party

Sometimes the best fun is the fun that you create yourself. I’m talking about hosting a Canada Day doggie party for your friends and their dogs.

Invite your friends with their dogs, or make a new friend by inviting someone you only know from your walks around the neighbourhood or chats at the dog park.

Keep it safe:

• Have a small guest list

• Only invite those dogs who you know are friendly

• If your back yard is very sunny, make sure to have a couple of umbrellas for shade

• Of course always have access to plenty of water for the dogs.

To make it easy on yourself so you don’t have to do all the preparation, make it a ‘bring a dog, bring a dish party’ . Each person or family invited will bring something to eat, much like a pot luck party.

Make sure to have some dog toys and dog-friendly treats too.

5. Chill out at home

Sometimes it is best to do nothing and just chill out with your pet at home because all they really want is to spend time with you.

Happy Canada Day to all my Canadian Friends and their pets!

Terri J Photography specializes in on-location pet photography including pet and family sessions in the Greater Toronto area including Richmond Hill, Markham, Etobicoke, Vaughan, Scarborough, Brampton, Thornhill and beyond.

If you are thinking of creating your own special summer memories, through photography of your pet and family, I’m always happy to offer a free consultation. Simply click below to contact me.

This post is part of a blog circle with talented photographers from all over the world. Our theme this week was Canada Day or for the Americans, July 4th. Up next in the circle, Wyoming Dog and Horse Photographer, Erin Schwartzkopf, shares some tips to help your dog get safely through this 4th of July.