Expert advises to be mindful of pets during upcoming fireworks shows

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The 4th of July is a time of celebration, but one holiday staple may cause anxiety for furry friends.

The loud bangs across the country will be heard far and wide, and experts have some recommendations for keeping pets safe and calm.

"When you are taking your dog out, if you do have an inside dog, even if you have a fenced-in yard, I would take them out on a leash," Training Manager at Fantastic Fido's, Rushelle Willis, said. "If a firework does go off, there's several stories that I read on social media, July third, fourth, fifth, that their dog was in a fenced-in area, they jumped the fence, now they're lost."

According to The Kennel Club, firework season sees an 81% increase in dogs going missing. Willis recommends always taking dogs outside on a leash during the holiday and until the eighth or ninth, in case of fireworks. She also says to utilize a crate if a dog is kennel trained.

"I would put it in a room that doesn't have any windows," Willis said. "A basement, if you can utilize a basement and that way the noise barrier is less."

In extreme cases, medicine can be given to animals with high anxiety to help calm them down, but Willis said to seek advice from a veterinarian.

"Calming chews, but I would contact the vet before I administer those as well," Willis said.

She said too much affection can make the situation worse and no specific breeds have a higher likelihood of getting anxious over fireworks.

In her seven years working at Fantastic Fidos, Willis has luckily not received any runaways from 4th of July fireworks.

"Utilize the crate, not unintentionally reward the behavior, but let them be in a quiet area," Willis said. "Another thing they can use a sound machine, turn on their television, or radio."