The fourth of July is a wonderful time of year, full of celebration and festivities.
But for dogs, the fourth of July is the day where unexpected loud noises are rampant and brightly coloured lights fill the sky.
Needless to say; dogs don't like fireworks.
To help your dog stay calm during this eventful period follow these hints below.
Mix and match and see if you can find ones that will suit your dog the most.
Before we get started there are a few things to remember about a scared dog.
Even though your best friend might look at your with understanding eyes, dogs can't reason at the same level that people can.
There are many people, adults as well as children, who are frightened by the loud noises of gunshots, cars backfiring, thunderclaps, or sirens but we can reason their purpose and we understand that the noise will eventually go away.
Dog's brains don't work the same way and they get angry as well as scared when something new or loud unsettles them.
It doesn't take long for a scared dog to become violent so take care if you can see that your dog might attack you or others.

1. Desensitization - Getting your dog used to the loud sounds of fireworks, gunshots, and sirens will help to lower the level of fear it will experience.
   There are audio downloads and CD's with these sounds on them that you can play for your scared dog.
   Start off playing the audio at a very low volume and keeping your dog with you.
   Repeat the exercise increasing the volume.
   When you dog panics, pet it and reinforce the fact that it's safe.
   
2. Fireworks sound louder outside the house so it's best to keep your dog inside during this time.
   Rearrange your dogs schedule so that it goes outside to do its business well before the fireworks begin.
   A dog afraid of fireworks might relive its bowls or bladder because of the noise so try not to feed it too much before the fireworks are set to begin.
   Remember that accidents happen, so don't scald your dog if it does.
   
3. A dog scared by environmental noises will instinctively retreat to a safe and small space.
   Come fireworks season, create a safe place for it to hide - crates are excellent for this.
   Keep your dog in an area that's small and dark and away from windows.
   
4. A dog frightened by environmental noises and a dog scared by loud noises don't normally make the best of friends.
   Dogs can become violent and panicked when they are scared and they may lash out at each other.
   Surrounding your dog by furry companions might not be a good idea.
   
5. Make sure that someone is with the dog the entire time.
   A dog afraid of or a dog frightened by fireworks needs love and support during this time.
   The fourth of July is also the time that the pound collects most of their runaways.
   If your dog doesn't feel safe then it might run away, so keeping someone with it will help to stop this.
   Also make sure to keep all of its identification current and on its collar in case something should happen.