Keep your dogs calm for the Fourth

Rockets' red glare and bombs bursting in air might bring smiles to two-legged revelers. But for man's best friend? This celebration can be a nightmare.

"Dogs get freaked out and scared not just from the whistling sound but also from the burning smell," said Laurie Deus, Coeur d'Alene Police animal control officer. "They smell and think, 'danger.'"

Deus isn't about to argue with the suggestion that more dogs run away on July 4 than any other day of the year.

"People leave their dogs in their yard and they either dig out or somehow climb and run out in the streets, trying to get away from the noise," she said. Even if you usually leave your pet outside, Deus warns: "It's amazing how dogs really get disoriented."

If your dog does head for the hills, most area animal control officers will try to get in touch with you by either knocking on your door, leaving a note or calling the number on the dog's tag.

Most dogs get picked up the next day, Deus said. If your pet is microchipped they will call the microchip company, which will then get in touch with you given the information provided. Even if your dog is tagged, Animal Control will take your dog to Kootenai Humane Society if you're not home. A dozen kennels are reserved on that day alone.

According to experts at Coeur d'Alene Animal Control, Sunset Animal Hospital, and Kootenai Humane Society, here are some general guidelines to keep your pet safe:

* Leave them in a quiet, soundproof area. If they want to hide somewhere in your house, let them.

* Turn on a fan, air conditioning, TV, or some music to help drown out the noise.

* Be calm. Animals feed off your energy so if you're calm, they're more likely to be in a relaxed state.

* Leave your dog indoors. They're not missing out on the parade or fireworks and will feel more comfortable at home where they are safe.

* Make sure you shut all doors and windows in your home and don't forget to draw the curtains. This will block out any scary flashes and reduce the noise level of fireworks.

* Walk your dog before dusk to expend any excess energy.

* Take a current photo of your pet, just in case.

* Ask guests to keep an eye out for your pets to made sure they don't escape.

* Keep charcoal, fireworks, sparklers, and glow sticks far from curious pets.

Some people get a little medicinal help for their friends. Bruce King, who has worked at Lakewood Animal Hospital in Coeur d'Alene for 20 years, has found tranquilizers to be one of the most effective ways to calm an anxious dog. Xanax, commonly used to treat anxiety and panic in humans, can even be used to combat the problem.

However, Dr. King said it's important to speak with your vet about dosage and any prior medical conditions your dog may have.

Other options include pheromones, either in the form of a room spray or applied to your dog's collar, and special pooch apparel.

"ThunderShirts for some dogs can make a huge difference," King added.