Did you know? More pets get lost on the 4th of July than any other day of the year.

Thunder, fireworks and other loud noises can really stress out our furry friends. As a result, this noisy holiday means more “guests” in the “pound” as they seek to escape the loud noises that terrify them.

It also means the possibility of an emergency visit to the Vet for a variety of things, ranging from injuries from escaping to digestive stresses and more.

Here are  some quick tips:

• Be sure your pet has a safe, den-like place, such as a crate or kennel
• Play some music or other “white noise” to help mask the sound of fireworks
• Don’t comfort your pet during fireworks or thunder. It rewards the fear behavior.
• Be sure they have current ID on them such as a microchip or pet tags. You can also write your telephone number (including area code) on their collar with a permanent marker.
• Keep them safe and away from fireworks

To learn more, check out these articles:

Humane Society: Fear of Thunder and Other Loud Noises
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/fear_thunder_loud_noises.html 

ASPCA: Fourth of July Safety Tips
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/fourth-july-safety-tips