A pet survival guide for the Fabulous Fourth.
The Fourth of July may be one of your favorite summer holidays. But it might not be so fabulous for your four-legged friends.
Noise is the hallmark of Independence Day celebrations, but the "bombs bursting in air" can be highly stressful to some dogs and cats. Common reactions may be: Shaking and trembling, drooling, barking or howling, trying to hide, refusal to eat. Some may even lose bladder or bowel control. Does this sound like a good time to you?
So if you are heading out to a park or large public fireworks display -- consider leaving your pets at home. They'll be grateful.
Keep reading for some more advice from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Broward County Animal Care and Regulation Division on how you AND your pet can have a happy holiday:
Fireworks and noise:
* Number one tip: Keep your pets indoors. Close the curtains and turn on the television or radio
for a distraction. Or if your animal is totally terrified, consider staying with him and talking soothingly.
* For dogs: Give them a Kong toy stuffed with peanut butter, as the licking will be soothing.
* If your pets must be outside, keep them on a leash or in a carrier.
* Keep your pets away from barbecues, matches, citronella candles and other open flames, as their hair could catch on fire.
* Keep lighter fluid out of reach of pets, as it can cause serious medical complications if swallowed or inhaled.
* Make sure your pets' ID tags are current, in case they run away in fear.
* Take dogs for a long walk before the fireworks start; they may be too nervous to potty later.
Other safety issues:
* Only use insect repellent formulated for animals.
* Baby sunscreen may work for pets. But if your animal tends to lick the lotion off, use products formulated for animals.
* Avoid scraps from the grill or table, as some foods -- raisins, chocolate and onions among them -- may be toxic to pets. Diet changes also can cause diarrhea.
* Do not give alcohol to animals and don't leave your drinks unattended. Liquor can make your pet sick or even can be fatal.
* Don't put plastic glow jewelry on your pets or allow them to play with these items. The luminescent stuff inside can irritate your animal's digestive system. And large pieces of plastic, if swallowed, can cause an intestinal blockage.
ANGIE BRENNAN, a Sun-Sentinel page designer,
lives with four dogs and one boyfriend. And has a lifetime of animal stories to share.
DIANE LADE, a reporter on the Sun-Sentinel's Help Team, has lived with cats, dogs, reptiles, fish, an iguana, and an armadillo.
CYNDI METZGER, editor of the Sun-Sentinel's Outlook section, is smitten with Bella, her poodle who regularly ignores requests to sit, stay and get off the ivory-colored sofa. 
JOHN TANASYCHUK, a Sun-Sentinel lifestyle writer, has lived with cats as long as he can remember. He and his partner currently share their home with three.
