As many families venture out this 4^th of July to celebrate America’s Independence, they often leave their faithful friend, the dog, at home.

On any other day this would be a simple thought, but on this day when fireworks are booming, and blocks are partying, that four-legged companion needs a little extra care.

The percussion of fireworks, even from far distances, can have a strong effect on even the most docile of dogs.

“Dogs can get so anxious, they become frantic and they start becoming very destructive,” said Joy Aaron, Veterinarian at Santa Clarita Animal Hospital.  “I’ve seen dogs go through plate glass windows, tear up drywall and doors.  Not to mention injure themselves.”

Aaron says that they give out sedatives to some owners to help the dogs remain calm.  The sedatives lower the dogs blood pressure and mellows them out.

Dogs can jump fences in a panic to escape the noise, and many dogs go missing on this holiday weekend.

Another option for your dog is to place them in a kennel, either at home or through a clinic.

While fireworks are major concern, the heat can also be deadly to any type of pet.

“People go to enjoy their day and they leave their dog in the backyard.  In this kind of heat it doesn’t take long to become overheated,” said Aaron.  “They can die of heat stroke, or at the very least need to be rushed into the emergency room.”

Animals that need to be left outside should be provided with plenty of water, as well as shade, so they can escape the heat.

For owners that plan on having a party to celebrate, the BBQ can be a place of injury for dogs.

“Dogs are like having a permanent two-year-old and you have to realize that they don’t think about consequences,” said Aaron.  “All they know is the immediate smell or noise and they react.”

Objects popping off the grill can cause burns, but Aaron says that eating a lot of extra fatty foods, like chicken skin, can cause pancreatitis and make the dog ill.

Other precautions to take to keep Fido safe include:

• Clean up all firework messes.  The cardboard left by used fireworks can contain gunpowder and if eaten can make them sick.
• Keep dogs away from any flames.
• Leaving the T.V or radio on could help calm them
• Try not to leave the dog alone