Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer and also the unofficial start of backyard barbecue season. If you plan on having your four-legged friend around at summer cookouts, there are a few things to keep in mind before you start grilling.

The American Kennel Club offers the following tips to keep your dog safe at your next barbecue.

n Make sure your yard is secure. It only takes one guest coming or going to accidentally let your dog out. Be sure to keep the gate to your yard closed. Make guests aware that your dog is there, and if people are coming and going frequently, consider putting him on a leash or in a crate. You may even want to designate a family member to stand by the gate when guests are arriving and leaving to make sure your dog doesn’t get loose.

n Keep your dog cool and hydrated. Be sure he has plenty of water, and if the party is outdoors, make sure he has access to a shaded area. If he starts showing signs of heatstroke (restlessness or agitation with vigorous panting or bright-red gums), bring him to a cooler area and contact your veterinarian immediately. On very hot days, it may be best to leave your dog inside.

n Don’t feed your dog from the barbecue. Remind your guests not to give your dog any human food. Food from the barbecue is often greasy and can upset your dog’s stomach. Keep an eye on the food tables to make sure your dog does not grab anything. Certain foods such as corn cobs, onion, garlic, avocado, grapes and raisins can be toxic and should be kept far away from your dog’s reach.

n Keep your dog away from the grill. Make sure your dog isn’t near the grill while it’s on. It’s very hot, and the open flame is especially dangerous. Your dog should be kept away from it even when you’re done using it, as it stays hot for a while after it’s turned off. Additionally, keep all grilling tools and lighter fluids out of reach from your dog. Never leave your grill unattended.

n Use sunscreen. Dogs can get sunburn too. If your barbecue is during daytime hours, don’t forget to put sun block on your pup’s nose to prevent a burn.

n Give your dog some cool-down time. Having guests over for a barbecue is fun but can be stressful for your dog. If he’s been outside for a while, bring him indoors to rest from the heat and the hectic nature of a barbecue.