things that go bang in the night:

Families across the country celebrate many occasions by enjoying fireworks - the bigger the display and the louder the explosions, the better. For the family dog however, the Fourth of July and other firework-laden celebrations can be a source of extreme fear and stress.

"Fireworks can terrify our pets," said Traci Theis, PetsIncredible trainer and 2006 Dog Trainer of the Year. "What many pet parents don't realize is that the sound of loud explosions may create even more fear and stress for a confined pet left alone in a house. It is important for pet parents to recognize the stressors in their pet's environment, how it can affect them, and most importantly, how to prevent the pet from hurting themselves or others."

The environment we humans live in is full of noises and smells that can frighten and confuse our pets. In addition to holiday celebrations, summer also marks the beginning of the thunderstorm season in many parts of the country. This stress can cause pets to act out in ways that they normally wouldn't. In general, animals that show signs of stress during thunderstorms or fireworks celebrations typically act out in the following ways:

· Shaking, trembling, drooling

· Excessive barking, howling

· Trying to hide or get into / out of the house, fence, or other enclosure

· Refusing to eat food

· Scratching, chewing or other destructive behaviors

· Loss of bladder or bowel control

To help avoid undue stress on dogs, Theis offers the following tips for pet parents to prepare their pooch for fireworks displays or other loud seasonal noises such as the occasional thunderstorm:

· Never ignite fireworks around your pets.

· During firework displays, keep pets indoors in a confined and secure area with shades closed. Turn on a TV or radio for added distraction.

· Make sure your dog has ample opportunity to empty his bladder and bowel before the worrisome noises begin.

· To keep dogs soothed, utilize pheromone therapy with products such as Comfort Zone® with D.A.P.® (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) which mimics the comforting pheromones produced naturally by a nursing mother dog.

· It is not recommended that you take your dog to a fireworks display. However, if you do take your dog out where there will be fireworks, keep him on a leash and/or in an animal carrier at all times. Also, double check his collar or harness to ensure that he can't slip out of it if frightened.

· Play a game with your dog or give him a rubber chew toy or bone stuffed with yummy treats to help calm him and/or divert attention away from storms or fireworks.

· Make sure your pet is microchipped and that his ID tags are current, in case he escapes. July 5th is one of the busiest days of the year for local animal shelters. Dogs can end up miles from home, confused, disorientated and exhausted, and their worried parents can help expedite their reunion with proper tagging and a microchip.

To initiate positive change before the stress-inducing noises of the season begin, pheromone therapy diffusers like Comfort Zone® should be plugged into the room your dog frequents most or stays when alone, approximately 7 to 15 days prior to holidays with fireworks or throughout thunderstorm season if you have a thunder-phobic dog. Additionally, dog appeasing pheromone products are available in a spray and can be applied directly to your pet's bedding or on a bandanna to deliver immediate feelings of comfort.

"By using the recommended tips in conjunction with pheromone therapy, pet parents can reduce, and perhaps even eliminate, a pet's destructive behavior during these stressful situations, making summer an enjoyable season for everyone," said Theis