4th of July tips for your pets, as seen on Wake Up Wisconsin - WAOW - Newsline 9, Wausau News, Weather, Sports

Loud noise        

Try to keep pets inside - many dogs ‘brake leash' and run from loud noises.         

Don't take dogs to fireworks - they can get scared and aggressive. Also someone in a crowd  might come up to your dog while holding a sparkler.         

Keep pets in a room with TV/radio playing to deaden loud noises. If possible stay with your pets and talk to them soothingly, give massages, play with to stay calm.

Positive attention          

Don't punish a pet who has destroyed something, or had an accident in a panic. Don't pull a frightened pet from her hiding spot. She/he feels safe there. Cats especially like to hide -- let them.         

Before fireworks start

Take dogs for a long walk or a lot of play to tire them out.  If needed give medication, with Vet's approval. Cover bird cages and put in a quiet room.

After the fireworks      

Clean up fireworks residue - if ingested can be poisonous or harmful. Be a good neighbor ---  keep your barking dogs inside. If you use fireworks clean up after yourself