With the 4th of July holiday tomorrow, lots of people celebrate by shooting off fireworks and there are typically lots of firework shows for different communities.

Dr. Christy Fields of Companion Veterinary Clinic in Jefferson says these loud noises can impact dogs and other pets, which can cause anxiety.

“I try to explain to people, there is just a normal healthy fear. So having some anxiety around those noises is okay, as long as your pet is not hurting themselves or destroying your house because of that anxiety. You know, they’ll work through it.”

Dr. Fields notes that pet owners can also take their furry friends to other rooms of the house, such as finished basements, where sounds are more muted. She suggests using other distractions like having the radio or television on, or their favorite toy or treat to help them through these anxious times, which is preferred over medicating an animal.