Tips On Protecting Your Pets During July 4 Celebrations

Loud noises from fireworks for hours on end can be scary for your pets. Oklahoma City officials urge residents to keep their pets' safety and comfort in mind when preparing for the Independence Day weekend.

“July 5 is our busiest day of the year. So many pets get loose the night before because of the noise from fireworks and activity during parties,” said Animal Welfare Superintendent Julie Bank. “We get hundreds of calls from people who lose their pets.”

Pets often try to run away in an effort to get away from loud fireworks, and people coming and going from holiday parties create opportunities for pets to escape through open doors and gates.

Officials said even typically mellow and well-behaved pets can go through extreme behavior changes because of loud noises.

OKC Animal Welfare offers the following tips for pet safety during the Independence Day weekend:

· Keep identification on your pets at all times in the form of collar tags and microchips.

· Keep your pets inside in a safe, stress-free place.

· Keep an eye out for open doors and gates during parties.

· Don't overfeed your pets or give them foods they aren't used to.

· Close your blinds and turn on a fan or radio to provide background noise.

· Distract your pet with lots of toys.

· Don't take your pet to events featuring fireworks.

· Check OKC Animal Welfare daily if you lose your pet.