How To Keep Your Pets Calm During July 4th Fireworks

Pretty soon fireworks will be exploding all over Tampa Bay.  While we may be looking forward to the centerpiece of the July 4^th festivities, it doesn’t mean our pets will share our enthusiasm.  In fact, they may find the celebratory events frightening, and, in some cases, painful.

Registering between 150 and 175 decibels, fireworks are actually louder than live gunfire (140 decibels), and even many plane takeoffs at 120 decibels.  Decibels measure the loudness of a sound and hertz mentions the frequency.

We sustain damage to our ears at just 85 decibels, even though we can only hear to about 20,000 hertz.  Dogs, on the other hand, can hear between 45,000 and 65,000 hertz, so just think about the physical and  emotional damage they could sustain if they are too close to the fireworks, or left outside to fend for themselves.

When dogs are extremely anxious or frightened – or in pain – they tend to bolt – digging under a fence or jumping over it.  Some have even been known to break windows in order to escape.  All of these behaviors have been documented in dogs frightened by fireworks.  Once they are loose, they face dangers that include being runover or stolen.

At least 40% of domestic dogs have noise phobias, and there are just as many cats in the same predicament.  The only saving grace for cats is that they tend to hide rather than flee.

What can you do to help your pet stay calm on July 4^th?  Here are some tips:

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It's always on dog-parent's mind whenever they go out. Can I bring my dog? With so many outdoor restaurants in the Tampa Bay area, a lot of places are accommodating to our four-legged babies. Some even have canine-friendly food on their menu. Whether you want to be near downtown Tampa or by the beach in St. Pete, we have the list of places to bring along your best friend.

We also have a list of the best dog bars in the Tampa Bay area. A lot of those places don't serve food but occasionally have food trucks. Also, dog bars may also require you register your dog to make sure they are healthy and non-aggressive. The best part about taking your pup to a dog-friendly restaurant is that you don't have to worry about that.

We went to Yelp to see what their recommendations are for the best dog friendly restaurants in Tampa Bay. They had a list of 10 places but we condensed it to our favorite 7 spots (and added a few of our own favorite places.) Another great hack is to download the BringFido app. This app will tell you any dog-friendly restaurant or hotel in your current area.

Ulele is a great spot for dogs, kids, date night, or any occasion! Their beautiful shaded patio is the perfect place to hangout with your pup! Plus you can take them for a walk on Tampa's riverwalk after your meal.

Any World of Beer welcomes dogs! We know the Westchase location will even let dogs hangout inside.

Riveters outdoor patio is a great hangout spot for pups.

Enjoy waterfront views of Old Tampa Bay with your pup at Salt Shack on the Bay. This place is such a hidden gem in the Tampa Bay area. They have some of the best seafood and cocktails.

Irish 31 is one of the most dog-friendly restaurants in Tampa Bay! They even have a special canine casserole that you can order for your pup!

Clear Sky Draught House in Dunedin has a huge patio that is perfect for doggos.

If you and your pup are ever down in St. Pete beach head to Buoys Waterfront Bar & Grill. You can hangout on their upstairs patio for those perfect sunset views, or head to the bar downstairs. Just know your bartender might serve your dog first!