SC folks love their July 4th fireworks — pets, not so much. These tips will help them relax

Independence Day is almost here and its imminent arrival tends to go hand-in-hand with nearby fireworks shows.

Although these bright, sparkling fireworks displays may be fun for most people, it may not be for your pet.

If you know your pet gets nervous around loud noises, it’s important to know the best ways to help them cope with the loud, crackling explosions that July 4th brings.

Helping your cat or dog by reducing their fireworks anxiety can help make for a worry-free summer and keep your pet safe.

According to Veterinarians.org , there is a 30% increase in pets that run away because of fear from fireworks, with less than a quarter being returned to their owners.

Aside from the risk of them getting loose and running away, pets also can possibly injure themselves or others during a panicked moment as they try to run or hide to find a space they deem as safe.

If any of this sounds like your dog and you suspect they’ll be anxious, here are 11 ways to help it stay calm through the booming celebrations leading up to the Fourth of July.

1. Turn on the television or radio. This simple step helps alleviate a pet’s fear of hearing the singular, distinct noise of fireworks and distracts them with something else instead. A secondary set of sounds that the television or music can provide is a good distraction from the booms coming from outside. This trick is also good for traveling away from home if your pet tends to be skittish in new places or around unfamiliar people.

2. Close windows and curtains. By closing any nearby windows and curtains, this may help to partially muffle any noises or bright, flashing lights that could appear and spook your pets. Additionally, providing them a safe room with a closed door and comfort items may help to lessen the anxiety derived from the nearby fireworks displays.

3. Be present if you can. Although many individuals may have gatherings with their family or friends to attend, if you know your pet is anxious around fireworks or loud noises, it is important to ensure they aren’t experiencing it alone and to help comfort them.

4. Stay calm. If you are anxious or upset by environmental stresses, even if you’re stressed about your dog being stressed, it may cause more anxiety for your dog as they can sense your unease.

5. Prepare. Try taking your dog on a long walk before nightfall if you suspect there may be fireworks in your area that night. This can help to get rid of excess energy your pet may have and can be an effective way to help your pup be more calm or nap through the upcoming firework show.

6. Try an anxiety vest. Similar to swaddling a baby, applying pressure in the form of an anxiety vest can help comfort your pet and minimize the amount of stress your dog may feel during a fireworks display.

“Get your dog used to wearing a pressure wrap — like a dog anxiety vest — before fireworks so that by the time the event arrives, your dog will be comfortable with the garment. You can either make your own by wrapping stretchy fabric around your dog’s shoulders and chest (make sure it’s not so tight that it restricts blood flow or the ability to breathe) or opt for a ThunderShirt that uses a patented “hugging” design to help reduce stress from dog fireworks anxiety,” according to PetMD .

7. Stay in their crate. If your pet is used to sleeping in a crate and this is their safe space, try housing them in their crate if you know fireworks may begin soon and throw a blanket over it to help create a safe, comfy shelter for them.

8. Try medications or pheromones to relieve anxiety . For dogs, pheromone diffusers or a variety of different anxiety-reducing treats may help lower their stress levels during these summer light and sound shows. Talk with your vet about the best and safest options for your dog. This trick may also work well if your dog isn’t the biggest fan of road trips.

9. Try desensitization tactics in advance. Conditioning your dog by desensitizing them to loud noises has worked for some pet owners. Try putting on videos of fireworks or common loud noises, visit pet-friendly outdoor restaurants, outdoor concerts, or areas near distant fireworks may help become more familiar with these sounds.

“You may actually be able to train your pal to tolerate the noise. Gradually exposing your dog or cat to loud, startling sounds may mitigate their anxiety and fear when pyrotechnics occur later in their lives,” according to Blue Buffalo , a popular dog food brand.

10. Ignore any firecracker sounds yourself. By ignoring the firecracker sounds yourself, it could act as a placebo action, so that your pet sees your response and is no longer worried themselves. If they don’t see you being anxious, they might not be. Try grabbing a favorite nearby toy of theirs and see if they want to play with you. This may serve as a helpful distraction.

“That means you. Dogs and cats are incredibly intuitive. They can sense and empathize with your fear and anxiety and adopt those feelings for themselves. Take a deep breath, be a comforting and calm pet parent, and your best pal will likely follow suit,” continued Blue Buffalo.

11. Consider a location device. A microchip can be helpful in case your furry friend gets loose during the fireworks finale. They may continue to run or hide and a microchip can help them be returned home in the event they become lost. Also, using pet tracking devices, which come as collars or collar attachments in many cases, are also beneficial in the event your pet gets loose.