The Old Trainer: Take care of your pets on the 4th

July Fourth is a dangerous time of year for dogs.

Their hearing is so acute that the booming of fireworks can terrify them.

Many of them -- 25 percent by most estimates -- become disoriented from the noise and vibrations.

Some run for miles trying to escape the noise. Animal shelters take in a wave of dogs every year at this time.

Some owners are unaware of the effects that fireworks have on their pets and leave them alone or, worse, take them along to the fireworks.

Never take a dog to a fireworks show. Instead, take a few simple steps to ensure that your pet survives:

1. Do not leave your dog outside. Put him inside the house with the TV or radio playing;

2. Make sure he is wearing a collar with identification;

3. If he is crate-trained, put him in his crate in a darkened, quiet room;

4. Put one of his favorite toys or an item with your smell next to him;

5. Do not make a big production of it. This will tip him off to be worried;

6. Do not scold him or baby him. Just act confident and let him see that the pack leader is confident and there is nothing to worry about;

7. Ask your vet about the use of tranquilizers if the fear is severe;

8. Allow him to go to the place in the house where he feels most secure. Many prefer to stay under a bed while the noise is occurring;

9. Use his favorite toy and play a game with him if he will play. Make sure there is plenty of water available;

10. If your dog exhibits fear, do not take him outside without a leash on him.

The Old Trainer has been lucky.

Nothing bothers his pack, including the Blue Angels zooming by a few hundred feet overhead, but he has rescued many, many dogs so terrified of fireworks that they are just running with no idea of where they are.

So take care of your best pal on July Fourth.

Send questions for The Old Trainer to theoldtrainer711@yahoo.com.