While Independence Day is time to celebrate BIG for all of us, most of our pets do not feel the same. The fireworks popping, cracking, and exploding, and all of the whooping and hollering can be stressful and downright terrifying for our pets. Our pets (Not just dogs, but cats too!) can become so panic stricken and afraid that they jump out of open windows, leap over fences, and run off becoming lost or possibly injured. There are several steps you can take to help give them a more relaxed evening, but you’ll want to plan ahead and make sure you’ve covered your bases before the festivities begin. While some pets may require a sedative from your vet to help them relax, others will do fine if you just take a couple steps to help set them up for success. 
The Humane Society offers up these suggestions to assist pet owners in making the Fourth of July a great and safe time for all of our four legged family members:
1) Make sure all pets, even indoor-only cats, are wearing a collar with an identification tag that includes your name and telephone number. A microchip is also a good idea. Terrified animals may end up miles from home or deep under a neighbor’s porch. This simple precaution will save a lot of anguish, time, and energy.
2) Walk dogs in the early evening – well before nightfall – to prevent undue stress from noisy fireworks.
3) During neighborhood firework displays, keep all pets safely inside. Dogs, and cats who are agitated should be put into a bathroom or other room with a secure door no windows. A screen doors will not keep in a charging dog. Please do not take a dog to watch a large commercial firework display. This only increases the chances of him becoming lost in an unfamiliar area.
4) In extreme cases, check with your veterinarian about tranquilizers.
If your pet becomes lost during the holiday (or at any time):
1) Immediately check with your local animal control agency first.
2) Put up flyers with a photo and detailed description of the missing pet.
3) The Craigslist website offers free lost and found pet postings.
4) Check around the neighborhood carefully. Lost cats have been found days later hiding under a bush in front of their owners’ homes. For dogs, expand the search area further than expected as a precaution. The Humane Society website has information on what do to if you lost or found a pet, including links to county control agencies and tips for finding your missing pet.
