Perhaps the most important thing to remember is: Please leave your dog at home!

The safest and kindest way to approach this stressful time for your canine friend, is to leave your dog safely stashed inside the house with a television or radio playing to drown out the noise. Crating your pet during this night is even better.

With vigilance, plenty of distraction and a caring guardian, your dog will make it through this harrowing day. Here are some helpful hints to help your dog get through the day (and night) with as little stress as possible:

• Do not take your pet to fireworks displays.
• Do not leave your pet in the car. Your pet can suffer serious health effects, even death, with only hot air to breathe inside a car; damage can be done in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but do provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen.
• Keep your pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you've removed any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep him company while you're attending Fourth of July picnics, parades, and other celebrations. It would be best if someone could stay with your dog - no one wants to be alone if they're scared.
• If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.
• Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn't leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.
• Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly. Animals found running at-large should be taken to the local animal shelter, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners.

If you follow these simple precautions, you and your pet can have a safe and happy Fourth of July.