Leave Rover Home During the Fireworks

If your dog is nervous about thunderstorms, the Fourth of July can be downright terrifying.

The first business day after July 4 is one of the busiest days of the year at local pet shelters, according to the Humane Society of the United States, as many dogs run away in fear from the loud noises of fireworks displays.

To avoid losing your four-legged friend on the Fourth of July, leave them inside – a frightened dog is more likely to jump a fence or dig underneath it to run away from loud noises than dogs that aren’t scared.

Make sure your pet has a collar on with securely attached, legible identification tags that include your address and phone number.

Don’t bring your pet to loud, crowded fireworks displays.

Even when left inside at home, animals may be able to hear fireworks displays. You may want to leave on a television or radio to help muffle the noise.

Contact the Loudoun County Animal Shelter animals@loudoun.gov, 703-777-0406 (Eastern Loudoun), 540-882-3211 (Western Loudoun) or visit the shelter's website.

Here are some additional Fourth of July pet safety tips:

Keep alcoholic drinks, lighters and lighter fluid and fireworks out of reach. All have ingredients that are toxic to animals.

Keep your pets on their normal diet – even if they’re begging for a burger from the grill.

Keep citronella candles, citronella spray and other bug-repellants away from animals, unless the label specifically says the bug repellant is safe for animals.

See more tips from the ASPCA here.