I’ve mentioned this before — when summer begins, dogs around my Albany street always have something to say.

When bicyclists pedal by fenced yards, there are outraged barks. If squirrels, mailmen or crows get too close to hearth and home, there are more challenges. This is trespass, in the canine world.

Dogs are really going to gripe during the next few days. And I sort of feel sorry for the poor setters and spaniels: They’ll be surprised to hear big booms on the street, part of the home fireworks shows that have become regular parts of the Fourth of July.

When I hear a rising, screaming fizzle after dark, I know an explosion is on the way. Animals are unable to put the two sounds together, so the sudden boom will always rouse some and panic others.

I am not innocent of such pyrotechnics.

For a few years, I had a friend who was able to secure colorful, fizzy and flashy diversions for summer gatherings. I never liked the big aerial bombs; I preferred gunpowder mixes that sparked and changed colors, maybe a few whistles at the end. But those days are pretty much over ... my remaining stock of Roman candles is several years old now.

So I can’t complain about fireworks parties. For the last couple years, a bunch of young guys have hauled an arsenal of bombs to the city basketball courts just up the street from my house. They light up and run for about 20 minutes, and I’m surprised cops have never forced them to cheese it.

They’re done by 10:30 or 11; never understood why some guys tempt the law’s wrath by firing barrages after midnight.

Wish I had some advice for pet owners. I know it can be a real traumatic time for dogs. Cats, I’m not sure if big noise bothers them. Seems like nothing bothers cats.

Except dogs, maybe.