Fireworks and Fido: Keeping Your Pooch Pie Happy

Toby and I were on a jaunt around the little path in our courtyard tonight and suddenly the night sky lit up with pink studs.

Fireworks! At 1 a.m.?

Yeah and looked at the inflamed inky black sky like it was nuts. Then he looked back at me and like I was nuts for gawking at the bright, loud things above our heads.

He's generally a skittish dog, terrified of the thunder cracking the evening sky open earlier in the day. Interestingly, though, he wasn't afraid of these 'works.

I follow a dog blog and today the writer, Dr. Jon Rappaport, gave four tips to keep your dog calm during fireworks.

• Don't take your dog to the or, here's a novel idea, stay home with your dog during the fireworks. Keep your dog confined in a comfortable location if possible.

•  Don't try too hard to reassure your dog during a fearful event with petting, soothing words, or extra attention. You might just end up scaring them more.

• Some dogs are very sensitive to peoples' moods, so they may be influenced by the way that you react to the noise. So don't worry, be happy.

• If you must leave your dog alone make him comfy. Bring your dog indoors. Maybe he would prefer being in his crate? Turn on the radio/television/fan/air conditioner ("white noise").

I hope you never need this, but here's a good way to be prepared by knowing the dangers of fireworks for pets.