Setting off fireworks may go hand-in-hand with the Fourth of July, but police across the county are warning people that setting off their own stash is both dangerous and illegal.

Police want people to know they will be patrolling the area looking out for illegal fireworks. They say they?re not doing it to ruin the holiday, but to keep people safe.

In 2005, more than 10,000 people across the country were injured by fireworks. Most of the people sustained injuries to their hands, faces and fingers. About 45 percent of those injured were children under the age of 18.

Another factor to consider is the family pet. Every year, pets across the country ? especially dogs ? are traumatized by the loud noises fireworks make. Some dogs cower in a corner or hide from the noise, while others bark loudly as a response.

?There are dogs that have basically killed themselves accidentally trying to escape the area where [fireworks] are,? Mike D?Abruzzo, a dog trainer, says.

Veterinarian Roger Swanson explains that there are certain medications that can help dogs with the stress, if taken early enough. ?It usually takes a couple of hours to take effect, and it will usually last half a day or something like that,? he says.

Residents are encouraged to participate in a legal alternative to setting off their own fireworks by attending one of the county?s many Fourth of July celebrations this holiday weekend.