The Fourth of July brings cookouts, family gatherings, sparklers, and festivals. But it also comes with a not-so-fun statistic: thousands of pets will go missing across the U.S. between July 4-6 this year.

Dogs can regulate their temperature through panting, but when it’s excessively hot that isn’t always possible and they can easily overheat. As a result, dogs rely on us to help protect them from summer heat and cool them down when they get too hot. There are a variety of ways to help cool your dog down depending on where you are and what activities you’re engaging in.

Summer means increased thunderstorms in many places. While some humans enjoy the beauty of the afternoon storm, it is a nightmare for pet owners. Here we explain why your pet is scared of thunder, how to tell if they are anxious during the storm, and tips on calming pets.