Keep pets safe during 4th of July celebrations

Monday may be the noisiest day of the year. If you live in California, Florida, Idaho, Nebraska, Oregon, Texas, Utah or 30 other states, you can probably display some or all types of fireworks. Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Vermont may be a little less noisy, as those states allow only sparklers or other novelties. The least noisy states will be Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island where all consumer fireworks are banned.

Fear of loud noises including fireworks, thunder and cars that backfire can cause cats, dogs and other animals to seriously injure themselves or to panic and run away. Dogs hear five times greater than we do, and cats have even better hearing. No wonder loud noises can be terrifying to pets. And some pets are more fearful than others. It is not funny. Unfortunately, many pet owners don't consider the effects of firecrackers, bottle rockets and other serious noisemakers on their best friends.

It is too late to pre-condition your pet using tapes or CDs of fireworks, gunshots and backfires before the big day, but there are some things you can do to minimize your pet's stress and fear. Keep small pets, including cats and dogs, indoors in a quiet, safe place away from commotion. Turn on a radio or a television set to help minimize any outside loud noises. And check with your veterinarian about pet earplugs. If you are going to a public celebration, don't take your animals — not on the Fourth of July. They will be safer and happier staying at home. If you must take your pet somewhere on the Fourth, use a carrier and/or a leash. Do not leave your pet locked in a vehicle, and make sure that your pet's ID tag is up-to-date. Above all, your children should have been taught to be kind to animals. Now is a good time to remind them that playing tricks on animals with fireworks is animal abuse. Ask them to be protective of pets and to keep them safe.

I'd like to point out that if a dog has the potential to harm humans and animals, the signs are always there. Owners and even many dog professionals play canine roulette by ignoring the obvious indicators. Or, they mistakenly believe that a dog that only growls or snarls some of the time won't really bite.

Question: What are the obvious signs of aggression?

Answer: Growling, snarling, curling lips, mounting people, lunging, snapping, blocking your path, barking aggressively and biting — even if it does not break the skin.