During the week surrounding the 4th of July, we humans love to celebrate with hot dogs, apple pie, sparklers and especially big, loud and colorful fireworks! Not so fun for a dog (or cat) who is freaked out by loud noises. Our little Border Terrier, Rosie, hates thunder storms, and thus, fireworks. Since we are planning to go away for the 4th we have already made arrangements for our dogs to be boarded in a safe place where they will be comfortable and not able to run off.

July 4th is notably one of the busiest weeks for animal shelters. The Weatherford/Parker County Animal Shelter will take in up to 40 animals per day, many of them family pets who have jumped the fence and run off in a panic when they hear fireworks. These are the lucky ones who are actually brought to a safe place, and not run over by a car or taken in by an unfamiliar family and re-homed as a result of their run.

There are things that you as a responsible pet owner can do to avoid this tragedy.

First, if you already know your pet is sensitive to loud noises, take the proper precautions that whole week to ensure their safety. These days, people shoot off fireworks during the whole week and with special vigor on the fourth. If you’re not going to be home you need to consider boarding your pets or placing them in a home with a family member or friend. Just having your neighbor look in on your outside dog or cat will not keep them from bolting when they become scared hearing the snap, crackle and pop of fireworks.

Do not take your dog to a fireworks display. He will not understand what is going on and it could affect his psyche hearing the loud explosions. If you do bring him, keep him close and never leave him unattended in your car.

If you stay home during the loud festivities, keep your pet with you in a quiet and safe place. Some animals can become destructive, so if you leave your pet inside while you attend the celebrations remove any items that your pet could destroy.

If you know that your pet can become seriously distressed by loud noises, consult your veterinarian to help alleviate the fear that he will experience by the festivities.

Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags. A well marked tag on a collar is good, but a micro chip is better. You can have your pet micro chipped at your vet or even at the Weatherford/Parker County Animal Shelter.

And speaking of the shelter, if your dog or cat does go missing during this week, please check the shelter personally to see if they have been brought in. Calling is not good enough. As I mentioned earlier, the shelter can take in up to 40 animals per day during this week and it is very difficult when you call and ask if they have your black lab for them to know. There may be 12 black labs in at any one time! Please, please, come personally each day to check for yourself.

With a little bit of planning and forethought, you can enjoy Independence Day to its fullest knowing that your sweet pet is safe and sound.