How to keep your dog safe and happy during fireworks

While the 4th of July is a day for celebration, it can be a day filled with stress for pet owners and their fur babies.

Many pet parents have to worry about the loud bangs that cause animals either to go into guard mode, or to be frightened because of their advanced hearing.

Here are tips to help your dogs, from Alina Hauptman of Best Friends Animal Society.

"The most important thing you can do is exercise your dog earlier in the day so they can be indoors when the fireworks start," said Hauptman.

The organization also advises:

• Bring pets indoors when fireworks displays are likely to occur and secure them in a quiet room. Close the windows, draw the curtains, and surround them with their favorite toys and treats. It can help to play calming music or turn on the television to drown out frightening sounds.
• Keep pets away from lit fireworks. Some pets will chase after bright moving objects and are at risk of being burned or blinded in the process.
• Keep unlit fireworks out of reach, as fireworks contain substances that are toxic if ingested.
• Ensure your pets are wearing identification tags with your current contact information. Also, make sure their microchip contact information is up-to-date.

Nick Butler is an impact reporter for the Courier Post, the Daily Journal and the Burlington County Times covering community news in South Jersey. Have any tips or stories? Reach out to NButler@Gannett.com. Subscribe to stay in the loop.