We all look forward to celebrating the holidays with our family and friends. And because we consider our pets to be part of the family, we often include them in the festivities. But July 4^th is one holiday where we should take extra precaution in keeping our pets safe.

Pets are terrified of fireworks and often panic at the loud noises they produce. Because of this, the American Humane Association reports that July 5 is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters. A dog’s instincts tell it to run away from loud noises, like fireworks. Even a dog that is in a yard might be so scared that he jumps a high fence or digs a hole under the fence to get out and run in fear.

Here are 6 preventative measures you can take to make sure your beloved pet doesn’t become an Independence Day statistic:

• Get your pets inside well before it gets dark. Even outdoor cats should be brought inside for the night.
• If you’re going to a fireworks display, leave your pet at home. The combination of too many people and loud noises in a strange place can cause your pet to panic and run.
• Once the festivities begin, keep your pet in a safe room where he can feel comfortable. If he is crate trained, put him in his crate covered with a blanket to make him feel secure.
• Block outside sights and sounds by lowering the blinds and turning on the television. Play soothing music in the background to lessen the startling boom of the fireworks.
• Make sure your pets are wearing ID tags and, if they’re microchipped, that the information is up-to-date. It’s also a good idea to have a recent picture of your pets in case you have to put up signs.
• Keep sparklers, glow sticks, fireworks, charcoal and kabob skewers away from curious pets. If ingested, any of these items can cause respiratory problems, damage blood cells or skin irritation.

Happy Fourth of July!