Protect your pets from fireworks

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - The July Fourth holiday wouldn't be complete without fireworks, but don't forget to think about your pets as the loud bangs erupt.

The Montgomery County Animal Resource Center wants to remind you to keep your pets happy and safe with these simple tips:

- Please resist the urge to take your pets with you to celebrate Independence Day. Public fireworks displays can be frightening to your pets. Let them stay home in a quiet, safe, escape-proof area.

- For pets bothered by loud noises, keep them inside in a quiet room with no windows. Background music playing can help calm them.

- Keep matches & lighter fluid out of pets’ reach. Certain matches contain chlorates which can damage blood cells and result in difficulty breathing.

- Keep picnic foods away from pets as they can cause intestinal problems. Things like chocolate, onions, grapes, raisins, salt and yeast dough can all be toxic to pets.

- Make sure your pets always wear collars with current licenses tags and pet identification. Lost and scared pets cannot tell a person where they live unless they have proper ID.

If your pet runs off, call the Animal Resource Center at 898-4457 and select option #1.

The Center will be open July Fourth from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. for lost pet searches only.