The Flathead County Animal Shelter wants pet owners to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday while keeping their pet safe and secure. 

If your pet is terrified of fireworks, you probably know the signs: He or she cowers, trembles in fear or hides and appears disoriented. Some dogs become so frightened they take drastic action. They can crash through a screen door, jump out of a window or leap a fence.

Every year, animal shelters have their hands full dealing with lost dogs that bolted on July 4, cats that have gone missing and anxious owners looking for them. Some lost pets are never recovered.

Here are some easy to follow suggestions to make sure the fireworks displays and sounds don’t upset your dog or cat:

•  Make sure all pets, even indoor-only cats, are wearing collars with identification tags. A Flathead County dog license’s owner information can be accessed 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. A microchip is also a good idea. Terrified animals will become confused and disoriented. They may end up miles from home or deep under a neighbor’s porch. 
•  Fireworks are for sale now, which means revelers will begin shooting them off early. Walk dogs in the early evening — well before nightfall — to prevent undue stress from noisy fireworks.
•  During neighborhood fireworks displays, keep all pets safely inside. Dogs and cats who are agitated should be put into a bathroom or other room with no windows, with the door secure. Soft, instrumental music or “white noise” can be calming. Screen doors will not keep in a charging dog. Do not take a dog to a large, public fireworks display. This only increases the chances of the dog becoming lost in an unfamiliar area.
•  In extreme cases, check with your veterinarian about tranquilizers.

If your pet becomes lost during the holiday (or at any time) check the shelter or call 752-1310.