Four Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe on the Fourth of July:

Not so fun fact: More dogs go missing on the 4th of July than any other day of the year. Why? The answer is simple. Fireworks. Our human tradition of beautiful, yet loud and intense explosive displays of fire are beyond their comprehension. For them, it’s a terrifying experience that triggers a natural instinct to escape. Unsurprisingly, animal shelters are bombarded with reports of lost dogs and cats following fireworks displays on the 4th of July each year. So should you forgo the 4th of July festivities altogether? We don’t think so!

Here’s what you can do to keep your our dog safe on the 4th of July:

1. Never take your dog to fireworks displays. Instead, keep them safe indoors. It doesn’t matter how well behaved your dogs are. It doesn’t matter that you can walk them without a leash and they’ll obey your every order. When a dog hears that startling bang of fireworks, it’s a natural reaction for them to take off – without ever thinking twice about it. If anyone in your household is staying home, have them spend a little extra time with your pets. It will be a great comfort to them.

2. Make sure your dog is wearing an ID tag. Microchips are always a good idea, but an ID tag on your dog’s collar or harness makes for a much quicker return!

3. Close your windows, curtains, and blinds. Frightened dogs sometimes attempt to jump through windows. Sadly, it’s even happened on upper floors. Draw your curtains closed. This will also help stifle the sound of scary fireworks.

4. Turn on the TV or radio. Background noise from a TV or radio will help keep your dog calm and comfortable by drowning out the sound of fireworks. Animal Planet, anyone?

We wish everyone a safe and happy 4th of July!