Fourth of July: Tips for keeping your pets safe during Independence Day celebrations

WASHINGTON (WJLA) — For humans, the Fourth of July means fun with fireworks and cookouts. For pets, it welcomes a cast of new threats.

The loud noises from celebrations and fireworks can cause severe stress for many animals. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue's Spokesperson PeterPiringer said the Fourth of July is the "number one day of the year for pets running away."

Outside of stress, other factors like heat and toxic foods can tragically harm your furry friend.

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Piringer gave WJLA some tips to help keep your pet safe:

• Keep your pets indoors, especially during fireworks and hot weather.
• Designate a safe space for your pet with little exposure to the outside. There can be a lot of excitement, it's important they have a spot to escape the commotion.
• Ensure your pet's contact information is up to date. It will make a lost dog much easier to find.
• Don't give your animals people food. While ground beef may seem okay for them, other ingredients like onions and garlic are not.
• Keep dogs away from glow sticks. They're not safe around pets.
• Be alert for signs of overheating and over-exhaustion.
• Be aware of open flames like grills, candles and firepits.

While most people associate these stressors with dogs, Piringer said these tips are also applicable to cats. Cats are just as unsettled with loud noises and booms, so owners should make sure they're safely inside as well.

Prince George's County Police shared a few additional tips to help make an animal's designated room comfortable:

• Restrict them to one room of the house, such as a bedroom.
• Give them a t-shirt with your smell on it to cuddle up with if you plan to leave.
• Put a radio in the room tuned to a classical music station with the volume low.
• Instead of going out, hang out with them while you read a book or watch TV.

Sara Hogan, manager of Clarendon Animal Care, wrote additional tips about a pet's anxiety.

Hogan said pets may develop phobias against loud noises, influencing how they react to firework booms. Pets with noise phobia display pacing, whining, hiding, and panting. These phobias can be identified before, and some pharmaceutical interventions may help, said Hogan. She also recommended giving neighbors a heads up that your dog may be barking, that way they're not concerned about your animal.