July 4th is the most stressful day of the year for many dogs and their owners.  Even dogs that don't normally have a problem with loud noises or storms, can suffer anxiety during loud fireworks displays.  Dogs may panic and try to escape or hide.  To keep your dog safe during the holiday, here are some tips that might help:

Don’t take your dog with you

Though it may sound like fun, the lights, the sounds, the unfamiliar location can make your dog more fearful - even if he is with you.

Don’t leave your dog outside

Dogs left outside during fireworks may become fearful and may try to escape from the yard.  Dogs jump walls, fences, get into traffic, and run and panic sometimes.  Many dogs have been killed by cars on the 4th of July trying to run from the noise. 

Create a quiet comfortable place inside for your dog

Rather than crating your dog, keep your dog in a small confined room with soft blankets, pads, or dog beds.  Remove anything that might get chewed or destroyed.  Stressed dogs can become destructive.

Give your dog something else do

Leave on the TV or Radio for your dog.  Turn it up enough to block out some of the firework booms.  If your dog is food motivated (like Koda), fill a Kong toy with canned dog food or peanut butter and freeze it.  It will give your dog something to do while you are gone.