Fireworks Can Frighten Fido & Fluffy

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Fourth of July fireworks may give you a memory you'll never forget, but for your pets it can be quite the frightening night full of loud noises and the booms and bangs of holiday celebrations.

One of the most obvious reasons why many dogs and cats have problems over the Fourth of July is their acute sense of hearing. Dogs hear sound waves at least five times more acutely than humans and cats hear ten times better.

So while it may sound a simple pop or even a huge blast to humans sounds like bombs are falling to your pets.

Here are some ways to help you and your pet have a safe 4th of July:

• KEEP PETS INDOORS
  Keep your pets in a safe, enclosed room, preferably one without windows. If you're having guests over, consider keeping pets in a room that's off-limits to guests, with plenty of water and food.
• CREATE A CALMING ENVIRONMENT
  Surround pets with their favorite toys and other familiar objects. Sometimes the smell of an article of clothing from your laundry can help comfort them. Play soothing music and keep the room as quiet as possible by closing doors, windows, and blinds.
• KEEP AWAY FROM FIREWORKS
  Even if your pet doesn't seem obviously upset by fireworks, they can still cause harm to pets. Avoid potential burns, injuries, or possible ingestion by keeping all pets out of the vicinity of fireworks.
• UPDATE IDENTIFICATION
  The biggest risk of all this 4th of July is that pets will get loose and become lost. Even if a pet is secured inside, the sound of fireworks can cause them to panic – sometimes even breaking through glass windows. Make sure your pets are microchipped and wearing identification tags. Dogs should have a County License on their collar.