Help your dog stay safe, happy on the Fourth

As the Fourth of July nears, many dog owners brace themselves for the terror their dog experiences when fireworks go off.

It can be so difficult to watch the beloved family pet shiver and shake, drool and try to hide or get away from the noise that frightens it. Many dogs are given Valium or other drugs, as prescribed by their veterinarian, to help calm them.

Here are some safety precautions to take during the holiday, even if your dog has no history of becoming fearful:

• Even if your friend’s Fourth of July party is dog-friendly, it is safer to keep your dog home than to bring him.

• Keep dogs inside the house. A dog left outside may panic at the sound of fireworks and try to “escape” the noise by getting out of the yard or barking excessively.

• Sound-sensitive dogs should be contained in a crate indoors and left in a dark and quiet room, with some background noise like a fan, radio or television. You can block the outside sights and sounds by lowering the blinds and turning on the television.

• Give your dog something enticing to focus on while crated, which may help distract him from the noises outside. Try something really special that he rarely gets, like a meaty bone or a unique toy with ports for adding treats such as peanut butter or cream cheese.

• Check on your contained dog regularly, let him out for water breaks and interact with him in a calm and soothing manner. Make sure he is as comfortable and relaxed as possible before leaving him and enjoying the holiday in your own way.

• Identification is extremely important in case your dog gets loose and separated from you. According to AKC Companion Recovery Service, the Fourth of July is one of the most active times of year for pet recovery. Dogs tend to get scared at the sound of the fireworks and run away.

To make finding your lost dog easier, keep collar ID tag contact information up to date, have permanent ID with a microchip should his collar fall off, and always alert your pet recovery service to any changes in contact information so they can find you when your dog is found.