We all know that more Pets end up in shelters during and after the 4th of July than any other time of year because dogs and cats are terrified when they hear all of the scary sounds of fireworks and crazy people partying.

For a Yankee Doodle Dandy of a good time for you and your pets, here are a few tips to keep your furry babies safe during the upcoming holiday. When growing up, we watched the movie about George M. Cohan, Yankee Doodle Dandy, every July fourth and sang the songs, You’re a Grand Old Flag, Yankee Doodle Dandy, and others.

1. Be prepared ahead of time.
2. Party with your pets.
3. Natural comfort
4. Soothing sounds
5. ID your pets

Being a good Girl Scout aka being prepared means getting all your ducks in a row, with your plans, organize where and how you will keep your pets safe, and gather materials you might need ahead of time.

Stay home and have a party with a few friends. Keep the pets in a safe room, with a closed door or baby gate to make sure that they cannot escape. Give them pet treats, bones, toys and lots of water. Take dogs for a walk ahead of time before the party. If you BBQ, do it outside, keep fire from candles and grills out there and away from your animals and obviously, do not light fireworks anywhere near your pets, even in your yard. The point is to limit the trauma not add to it. Keep alcoholic beverages away from your pets as well as inebriated friends.

July 4 pet treats: think bacon, chicken, peanut butter, cheese, beef, turkey, Pupcakes and PUPsicles

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Bach Flowers Rescue Remedy, Thundershirts, and collars doused with lavendar essential oils are natural alternative means to keeping your pets calm.

Soothe and comfort your pets by playing meditative music, sounds of nature such as beach sounds, and/or canine / feline music that will also help ease their anxiety and cover up the pop, boom, and scary sounds of fireworks.

Put your dog tags on, make recent copies of photos of your pets and keep their vet records on hand just in case. If your pet has a microchip, also put a tag on their collar with your name, address and phone number. You want to make sure that if your pet should run off and escape that they will be found and returned to you promptly.