Though humans consider the Fourth of July as one of the most joyous holidays of the year, Independence Day may be a time of great stress for our pets. As you are getting ready to celebrate the holiday, take your furry friends into consideration and make sure to keep them safe, especially when it comes to fireworks.

Dogs are extremely sensitive to the sound of fireworks and may start to panic as soon as they hear them. Keeping in mind that there is going to be a lot of fireworks during the weekend, there are a few easy steps you should follow in order to make it easier on your pets.

Many dogs become so upset during the Fourth of July that they’ll do everything in their power to escape from the sound, and that is one of the main reasons why so many dogs get lost in times of celebration. The best thing you can do is keep your dog indoors and find them a safe place to stay in the house. Vets can prescribe anti-anxiety meds for dogs who get especially freaked out by loud noises, but you can also play music (or the TV) loudly enough to muffle the sound of fireworks. Also, if your pooch is very upset, you can try playing with them and diverting their attention.

Finally, experts recommend tiring your dog by taking them on long walks and giving them enough opportunity to run freely before the fireworks begin. Apart from wearing your dog out, prepare them a nice meal and surround them with their favorite toys. When the celebration commences, they will be tired and calm enough to make it through the rest of the day.