Tips for taking care of your pets when fireworks are booming

National Tips for taking care of your pets when fireworks are booming June 28, 20266:00 AM ET By  Bill Chappell Dogs might enjoy participating in daytime activities for July Fourth — like this dog named Charlie, decked out for a parade in Salisbury, Mass., in 2024. But when fireworks start, veterinarians say, it's time to keep pets inside and away from loud startling noises. Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images This year's July Fourth fireworks shows will be supersized to celebrate America's 250th birthday — not just in Washington, D.C., but around the United States. And that has pet owners looking for ways to help their animals get through the loud explosions and bright flashes. National July 4th fireworks in Washington: What's different for America's 250th? One thing to keep in mind is that an environment that might seem tranquil to a pet owner can still unsettle their pet, says Dr. Michael Bailey, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association. "Animals — dogs and cats — can hear and feel the fireworks four times further than a human can," Bailey says. The resulting anxiety and panic are an unfortunate side effect of a banner year for fireworks shows. So, what's a pet owner to do? Here are some tips: Sponsor Message Don't bring a dog to a fireworks show "This is a frightening situation and even the most outgoing and confident dogs will be startled," according to The Seeing Eye, a guide dog nonprofit. Event organizers also remind people that a fireworks display is no place for an animal. "The National Mall is not a pet-friendly environment on the Fourth," the Freedom 250 organizers state in their guidance for the massive events in Washington, D.C. Take care to prevent your pet from running off "Unfortunately, July 5th is the busiest day of the year at many animal shelters because many pets go missing after the big night," according to the American Humane Society. "Especially if you hav...