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Here are ways to help pets during Fourth of July fireworks

Keep your family's pet in mind during Fourth of July fireworks
Keep your family's pet in mind during Fourth of July fireworks 01:00

CHICAGO (CBS) - With the Fourth of July just days away, pet owners are advised to be aware of the potential effects of fireworks on dogs and cats.

Pet owners should remember to take their animals indoors with comforting toys and television or music playing to drown out the noise of the fireworks so as not to scare the furriest members of the family, according to the Best Friends Animal Society.

Some pet owners may use thunder shirts on their dog, which apply gentle pressure on the torso for comfort.

The holiday is also a good time to make sure pets have a collar and an ID tag with the correct contact information in case they run away. Have a plan to find them if they manage to escape, including posting on social media and checking local shelters.

Pet owners are also advised not to play with sparklers around their animals. Pets could get burned, or sick if they happen to swallow them.

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