The 4th of July is a lot of fun for humans, but all the parties and fireworks can be terrifying for pets, so we have a few tips to help keep them safe.

In our house, fireworks are not enjoyed by the dogs. Lola will try to push her way behind furniture that's sitting flush against the wall, so contents of end tables go flying. And Gifford tends to bark at loud noises and, if they go on long enough, will start howling.

It can be a scary holiday for pets, who don't understand what's going on. And when pets get scared, they either run or get aggressive. So we have a few tips on how to keep your pets safe!

  • Janie Airey, ThinkStock
    Janie Airey, ThinkStock
    loading...
    1

    Don't Take Pets To Fireworks Display

    I often see dogs at fireworks displays and it always impresses me when they're unaffected by the noise and the crowds. But that's not the norm. Many pets will experience anxiety at the crowds and kids running around. Add in the loud, booming fireworks, and that anxiety could turn to all-out panic. It's better to leave the animals at home, in a cool room, with a radio or TV for background noise to drown out any neighborhood fireworks.

  • Aly Tyler, ThinkStock
    Aly Tyler, ThinkStock
    loading...
    2

    Keep Inside Or Firmly Tethered

    The 4th of July is unpredictable, so make sure your pets are safely inside as much as possible, or firmly tethered when outside. You never know when a neighbor is going to set off firecrackers, which could cause your pet to bolt. Independence Day has one of the highest rates for pets running away, so it's important to make sure they're secure. This includes at parties and barbecues, where someone could accidentally leave a door open. This will also help avoid possible issues with guests who are strangers to your pets.

  • John Howard, ThinkStock
    John Howard, ThinkStock
    loading...
    3

    Avoid Dangerous Food And Drink

    A 4th of July barbecue would be like heaven to most pets. I mean, they could pick up table scraps from everyone in attendance, and that could include hot dogs and hamburgers! But the problem is, it could also include foods -- like raisins, grapes, chocolate, or even alcoholic drinks -- that are dangerous to pets. The better solution is, again, to keep the pets in a cool room with some background noise. And if you want to share some safe table scraps, take the food to the pets, not the other way around.

  • David McNew for Newsmakers, Getty Images
    David McNew for Newsmakers, Getty Images
    loading...
    4

    Never Use Fireworks Around Pets

    Most pets aren't going to think they're pretty or fun. Instead, any firecrackers, bottle rockets, sparklers, or other types of fireworks will probably be construed as a threat. This is another instance in which your pets are likely to run. Remember what we said about that cool room with the background music? Yup, much better place for your pets while you have fun with fireworks. Your pets will stay safe and stay home, which is where we want them!

  • Ryan McVay, ThinkStock
    Ryan McVay, ThinkStock
    loading...
    5

    Make Sure Pet Has Identification

    This one is important all the time, but especially during this holiday where the chances are so great that they may run away from things that scare them. Your vet can outfit your dog with a microchip that, when scanned, will give all your pertinent information. If there's no time for that, a simple dog tag with your pet's name, your name and phone number will work. Just in case your pet bolts, the nice people who find him/her will be able to notify you that they're safe!

More From WQCB Brewer Maine