Independence Day weekend is a time when folks get together for picnics and barbecues, parades and of course, fireworks. Some dogs don't react to the booming and noise of a fireworks show and sleep  through it all. But all the festivities can be very stressful on some  pets. Some dogs  pant and pace, crawl under the bed or hide in the shower stall during  fireworks displays. And you wouldn't want your dog to break free and run off or possibly get struck by a car.

Here are some precautions provided by the S. P. C. A.  to help keep our pets safe during the Fourth of July holiday.

• Leave them home. Resist the urge to take them to fireworks displays.

• Don’t leave them in the car where they have only hot air to breathe, which can result in serious health effects — even death — in just a few minutes. Partially opened windows don’t provide enough air, but can provide an opportunity for your dog to be stolen.

• Keep your pets indoors, in a quiet, sheltered area. Some animals may become destructive, so remove any items that can be chewed, destroyed of harmful to your dog. Leaving a radio playing at normal volume may keep your dog company while his family is at parades or picnics.

• If you know your dog is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult your veterinarian before the July holiday for ways to alleviate the fear, stress or anxiety your dog will experience during fireworks displays.

• Pay attention. Never leave your pet outside, unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a tie out. In their fear, dogs who normally wouldn’t leave the yard may escape and become lost or injured. Dogs may become entangled in their tie-out ropes or chains risking injury or death.

• Tag your dogs. Make sure they are wearing identification tags with current information on them so they can be returned promptly, if they get lost.
Let's all have a happy and safe Independence Day weekend.  Our pets  are depending on us!

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