It’s almost time for fourth of July fireworks! While most people love to see fireworks, your pets often don’t care that much for them. In fact most dogs and cats get downright terrified of them.
Since it’s legal to buy fireworks here in Florida many of your neighbors will be getting some and setting them off. I have already seen and heard a bunch of them going off near where I am.
So be aware that it’s not just the popular places that put on fireworks shows that fireworks will be. My cat Spinkie hates the sound of fireworks and crawls under the bed when she hears them.
So if you keep a dog or cat outside, consider bringing them in when it gets dark from now until after the 4th of July. Your pet will thank you and they will have a lot less stress.
If you have a dog that is afraid of thunder and have a thunder shirt for him, put it on your dog if you hear fireworks going off nearby. It will help to calm him just like in a thunderstorm.
If you decide to set off your own fireworks please put your pet inside before you do. Dogs may run and grab a sparkler or try to bite a bunch of fireworks going off. That can injure the dog or cause burns on it’s mouth or fur.
Finally if you go to a fireworks show, consider leaving your pet at home. They really don’t get anything out of hearing all the loud noises and flashing lights. Unless you happen to have a dog you know does not mind fireworks.
So have a fun and safe fourth of July this 2012. Keep your pets inside, watch what your kids do with any fireworks you have and don’t blow off your fingers with firecrackers! 
