4th Of July: How To Keep Your Pets Safe In Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE, WI — People enjoy the excitement of 4th of July festivals and watching fireworks displays, but your dog won't.

Large and small animals can be terrified by fireworks and can run away when they go off, becoming lost, the Humane Society of the United States said. The summer heat can affect your pet's health during daily activities as well.

Here's some advice from different humane groups on how to protect your animals this holiday weekend.

Beat The Heat

Give your pet plenty of fresh and clean water in the hot and humid days. Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun but don't over-exercise them, the ASPCA said.

Know the symptoms of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting, difficulty breathing, drooling, stupor and even collapse, the society said. It added that extreme body temperature can induce seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomiting.

Never leave your animal alone inside of a parked vehicle. It's illegal in 11 states to leave an animal unattended in a parked vehicle, the Shouse California Law Group said.

If you leave your pet at home, leave a fan in a place where your dog can sit in front of it, Petfinder said. You can also add ice cubes to their water or offer it to them as a treat.

Don't walk your dog on a hot sidewalk or asphalt, the ASPCA said. It added that your pooch's body can heat up quickly and the hot ground can burn their sensitive paw pads.

Avoid Fireworks

On the 4th of July, and other days people are likely to set off fireworks, it's best to leave your pets indoors, the Humane Society of the United States said. It added leaving a TV or radio turned on can soften harsh noises.

If you can't leave your pet at home, keep them leashed and under control at all times, the humane society said.

Use An ID Collar

All pets wear a collar or ID tag, even if they stay indoors full time, the humane society said. Indoor pets can become so frightened during fireworks displays that they may escape out of a window or through a door screen.

Ensure your pet is microchipped and registered, the humane society said. If your pet becomes lost, get in touch with your local shelter.

Ask The Doctor

If nothing else works, visit a veterinarian. There are medications and techniques to relieve your pet's fear and anxiety, the humane society said.

Visit the veterinarian in the spring or early summer for a checkup, the ASPCA said. Get your pets tested for heartworm if they aren't on preventative medication.