How to Keep Your Dog Calm During July 4th Fireworks

(East Texas) We are getting ready to celebrate a milestone in our nation's history. This Saturday, July 4, Americans will celebrate the nation's 250th birthday. We'll be gathering and partying with our friends and family by grilling burgers and hot dogs, and then celebrating by shooting off fireworks.

Why Fireworks Scare Dogs and Cats

Fireworks are synonymous with celebrating July 4th! Shooting off fireworks is fun for most people, but not as much fun for your pets.

When fireworks go off in my neighborhood on July 4, New Year's Eve, or Texas Independence Day, my dog gets a bit freaked out. She shakes nervously before retreating to her kennel. She will hide out there until she stops hearing the loud booms.

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How I Help My Dog Stay Calm

I try to make her feel more comfortable by turning on the radio or television, or by placing a box fan near her kennel to drown out the sudden booms from fireworks going off in the neighborhood. With America 250 celebrations taking place across Texas, we'll likely hear even more fireworks this year.

Dogs cannot comprehend what is happening and are scared because:

• Fireworks are loud
• Fireworks are unpredictable
• Fireworks pose a threat
• Fireworks make them feel trapped

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ASPCA Tips for Keeping Pets Safe

Knowing that firework season is here and there will be a lot of them going off over the next few days, the ASPCA says there are some easy steps you can take to help protect your dog (and cat) to make them feel safe as we celebrate.

• Make sure your dog has current ID tags on its collar.
• Take recent photos of your pet.
• Surround your dog with familiar toys, blankets, and bedding.
• Provide background noise with a TV, radio, or fan.

For those pet owners who have an outside dog, it would probably be a great idea to bring them into the house during this time so they don't feel the need to escape and run off.

If you find a stray dog in your neighborhood, they're probably not too far from home. Do what you can to help that pet find its way back home.

Make Sure Your Pet Can Find Its Way Home

Have a safe 4th of July and protect and make your pet feel comfortable as the fireworks explode overhead. Most importantly, though, make sure your dog or cat has an ID tag on their collar so they can be reunited with you more quickly if they do happen to get away.