As many pet owners know, July 4th can be a very trying time for pets, causing many to run away and end up in shelters.

Commonly signs that your pet is having problems because of the fireworks include:

Shaking, trembling

Excessive drooling

Barking, howling

Trying to hide or get into / out of the house, fence, or other enclosure

Refusing to eat food

Some animals may loose bladder or bowel control or experience temporary diarrhea from prolonged stress

Be extra careful on July 4th:

Keep pets indoors. Close the curtains and turn on the TV or radio to provide some distraction. A quiet place, such as a carrier, may provide your pet with a sense of security and comfort.

Use a leash or carrier. If you must be outside with your pet, keep the pet on a leash or in carrier at all times.

Practice fire safety. Keep pets away from matches, open fires, and fireworks - especially ones that are lighted on the ground. Pets may try to sniff (or eat) fireworks, and pet hair can easily catch fire if an animal is too close to the fireworks.

Take your pet for a walk first. If possible, make sure that you pet has time to "use the restroom" before the fireworks start. Some pets are too frightened once the fireworks begin, and this may lead to an "accident" later on.

Make sure pet ID is current. Make sure that your pet has proper identification tags, with current information, in case the animal flees. This will help the local authorities (who are quite busy this time of year handling frightened runaways).

One other note regarding July events and pets:

Please do not leave pets in cars at any time, even if you are in the shade and have windows open. Cars heat up amazingly fast, and add to that an animal that is excited or anxious at your departure, and heat stroke is a definite possibility.