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this is directed to dog owners but the same goes for cats

While we might associate the thump and boom of fireworks with festivity and a great display, many of our canine companions are completely freaked out by Fourth of July noises. Some dogs cower and shiver, some panic and try to escape from their homes.

We checked in with the The Humane Society to gather some advice for the pooches, here’s what they had to offer:

1. Resist the urge to take your pet to fireworks displays.

2. Do not leave your pet in the car. With only hot air to breathe inside a car, your pet can suffer serious health effects–even death–in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but they do provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen.

3. Keep your pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you’ve removed any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep him company while you’re attending Fourth of July picnics, parades, and other celebrations.

4. If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.

To get learn more, see July 4th Fireworks Are No Blast For Pets.

Thanks Cats. I would never take my dogs anywhere near any fireworks display. We had a few here at home one time and I put them in the basement bedroom which is actually under ground. They could barely even hear them. I have heard of dogs running away when they hear them. That can be really dangerous in crowds or close to roads.

i have been to fireworks displays where people have brought their dogs

Great advice, cats. Also please remember not all animals have been trained as sporting dogs and will NOT run if they hear a gun go off. My husband & I go a birthday party every year on a big ranch and several of the festivities involve shooting contest. Invaribly someone will bring a dog with them that gets "traumatized by the loud noise and runs off for several hours because they are so scared. One of our chows will try to get into bed with us whenever she hears thunder and then she tries to stand or sit on my husband's head, never fails. Only thing she is scared of--------THUNDER.

i guess on your invitations you will have to specify, no animals that are afraid of loud noises, you would think people would know better, LOL, we have one cat that is very afraid of thunder, she dips way down, we call it low bells(for belly) and creeps down to the basement, we feel so bad for her but it is funny, we say maggie low bells, that probably sounds very strange to you

My experience with this has been that our dogs always go with us to the fireworks show. So far it has never been a problem- we sit in the car and they sit and watch with us- we think this is better for them than leaving them home alone with all the idiots on the loose in the neighborhood-this year we have a new rescue, and hopefully if won't be an issue with him either- if it is -we'll just come home-----

OK, as long as we are on pet peeves about people and their animals. In TEXAS, many people have pickup trucks and love to take their dogs with them in the bed of the truck, but do NOT tie them in securely so they won't either choke themselves or go FLYING out when the truck comes to a stop in an emergency situation. We have a p/u and an SUV and the dogs ride safely inside the SUV seat belted in. Sorry, end of RANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!