As July 4th approaches, rescue groups and animal shelters across the country are getting ready for their busiest time of the year.

Many pets are extremely scared of the sounds of fireworks. These loud noises can make them very nervous, just like thunderstorms do. If left alone, scared pets might destroy a room or even hurt themselves trying to escape the noise.

Unfortunately, many pet owners don’t realize just how frightened their pets are during this time. Seeing pets at public fireworks displays is common, but this can lead to many problems.

Thomas Dock, Director of Communications at Noah’s Animal Hospitals, joined us on the show to talk about how you can keep your pet safe and calm on July 4th, as fireworks are likely to pop off during this time.

“If you know your pet is going to get worked up, you should be prepared with some sort of medication or some sort of aid to help calm them down. The 4th, 5th, and 6th of July are the busiest times of the year for animal shelters,” Dock explained.

The loud booms and pops can overwhelm a dog’s sensitive hearing, causing panic. When pets panic, they might try to run away from the noise.

If a pet can’t escape, it might start to destroy things around the house or even show fear and aggression. In public, a usually calm pet might bite someone.

At home, a scared dog could tear up pillows, chew on the walls, or destroy other items. Outside, dogs might try to jump over or dig under fences, which can lead to injuries like scrapes or puncture wounds.

In the past, many pet owners used sedative medications like AcePromazine or Alprazolam (Xanax) to keep their pets calm. However, these drugs are less effective if the pet is already scared, and many people don’t like the extreme grogginess they cause.

How can I keep my pet safe?

This time of year is a good opportunity to make sure your pet is properly identified in case they escape. Microchips are ideal because they provide permanent identification that can’t be lost. Just be sure your current address and contact information are up to date in the manufacturer’s database.

Another good tip is to take a selfie with your pet each year. This ensures you always have an up-to-date picture of your furry friend. As a backup ID, consider using a collar or harness with your contact information or even your veterinarian’s phone number.

During neighborhood festivities, it’s best to keep your pet in a secure, interior room with a radio or TV playing to help minimize the noise.

In most cases, taking your pet to an outdoor fireworks display is not a good idea. Instead, have your special celebration with them in your yard at another time, without the fireworks.

By taking these steps, you can help ensure your pet stays safe and calm during the July 4th celebrations.