Tips For Keeping Your Pet Safe This Holiday Weekend

From backyard bar-be-ques to waterfront fireworks displays the Fourth of July is a time most people spend celebrating our nation's independence. But let's not forget about our pets this holiday. Here are some tips to keep in mind ensuring each family member enjoys the celebrations this weekend:

Fireworks Desensitization: A few days prior to the main event, play a video of fireworks sounds on the television. Continue to play for your pet and increase the volume each time it plays, all the while pairing the loud sounds with treats and affection. This should help get your pet a bit more accustomed to the noises.

Pet owners that have dogs with thunderstorm-phobias should especially take note.

"If you normally have to sedate your pet during inclement weather, it is a good idea to follow the same practice for the loud holiday festivities," advises Dr. Nicole Trakas of .

Keep Your Pets Indoors. Despite the temptation to take the family dog to the neighborhood party, the ASPCA recommends leaving your pets at home in a safe area where they can escape the noise and stress of the loud fireworks displays. If you must take your pet with you, keep them leashed at all times.

Food and Drinks. Let's face it, holiday parties would not be complete without a large variety of food and alcohol. But please keep Fido far away from the buffet table. Unfamiliar 'people' food, like cured meats, chocolate, grapes, and onion are all potentially toxic to animals, causing symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting and sometimes leading to more serious illness or death. Unattended mugs of beer are likely to be slurped up in the heat of the summer, however, the ASPCA indicates that alcohol is poisonous to animals and could lead to a coma.

Sunscreen and Bug Repellent. It is important to keep your pets safe from natures elements when outdoors. However, remember to only use products safe for animals. Accidental ingestion of certain chemicals, such as DEET, can cause diarrhea and vomiting, as well as neurological problems.

Have fun. Spend some quality time with your furry friends before going out to the parties. Engaging your pet in some exercise will help in relaxing them the rest of the evening, as well as deter any potential fear-induced run-aways.

Post-holiday clean up will be important for everyone, not just pet owners. advises that everyone doing fireworks at home take special care in cleaning up debris and disposing of it properly. Puppies are likely to mistake those used sparklers for sticks, and may ingest some toxic chemicals in the process. The bottom line: Stay safe, clean up and enjoy!