The Fourth of July is coming and everyone is excited to celebrate the country’s independence!

While a vacation day, burgers on the grill, parties and FIREWORKS are fun, not all pups are as thrilled about the celebration of our independence as this festive little guy.

Fireworks can actually be quite frightening and dangerous for dogs.

In fact, statistics show that more dogs are lost over the July 4th holiday than any other time of year. If you know your dog is scared of fireworks or frightened by loud noises, here are some tips to make man’s best friend feel safer while you celebrate:

• If you’re planning to be away from home, even for just the evening, have someone stay with Fido to provide the security of human companionship and reassure him that everything is OK.
• Keep him in a quiet, secure area. When dogs become anxious or frightened they can become destructive, chewing or scratching at furniture, doors, or your favorite pair of shoes.
• Exercise can help ease anxiety and aid in relaxation. Take your pup for a long walk before festivities begin.
• Give your pooch something to distract him such as his favorite toy or bone – it will act as a pacifier and safety blanket.
• Play music or have the TV on to drown out the noise of the fireworks and close curtains to block the flashing lights.

We want to hear from you! Do you have any other successful solutions to calm your dog during fireworks or other loud noises? What do you do with your pup over the holiday?

Rover.com wishes you, and your pooch, a fun and safe 4th of July.

Woof!