Celebrate the Fourth of July with your family, but leave Fido and Fluffy out of the festivities, for everyone's safety and peace of mind.

This holiday can be a particularly stressful time for pets. The following recommendations are some tips for a safe and sane Fourth:

* Keep pets away from all fireworks. Burns, hearing loss and eye damage can occur if your pet is too close to the action.

* Dispose of all fireworks properly. Pets may eat leftover fragments, developing digestive problems or even serious injuries.

* Pets who are extremely nervous and frightened by noise may try to run away. Be sure your pet is wearing identification tags.

If your pet is the type to become extremely anxious from loud noises such as firecrackers, make sure he or she is safely tucked away in the most quiet room you have available. Also, you can consider confining your pet in a kennel during the Fourth of July. This method prevents self injury to the would-be "escapist" who may jump out a window (opened or closed) or chew through a door in an attempt to escape the noise. There is also the added advantage of saving your house from serious damage.

If your pet has become extremely upset by loud noises in the past, consult your veterinarian who can prescribe a sedative or tranquilizer to ease the stress.

The Fourth of July is a family holiday, so don't forget your four legged family members. With some extra thought and planning, everyone can enjoy the Fourth safely.

The writers are Dr. Steven B. Holzman, Dr. William R. Haagenson and Dr. Kathleen Tapley. They are associated with the Nassau-Suffolk Veterinary Hospital of Farmingdale.