You can make July 4 fireworks less scary for dogs. Here's what experts say to do now

While millions of Americans "ooh" and "aah" over Fourth of July fireworks, millions of beloved American pets will shiver, whine and in some cases, run away from home. The American Kennel Club believes more dogs go missing around July 4-5 than any other time of year.

Experts say pet owners can help keep their animals safe this Independence Day by preparing early — days, preferably, before the first "bombs go bursting in air."

Here's what every dog owner needs to know.

Fireworks in Indianapolis: Here’s where you can see them this Fourth of July

Why do fireworks scare dogs?

Animals, much like people, become stressed in situations that are unfamiliar, unpredictable and uncomfortable.

"Dogs have a tremendous hearing ability. Anything that sounds loud to us sounds even louder to them," said Dr. Candace Croney, a professor of Animal Behavior and Well-Being at Purdue University's College of Veterinary Medicine and director of its Center for Animal Welfare Science. "You have this terrible combination of very loud, unpredictable noises and flashes of light. Novelty, for most animals, creates a little bit of stress and fear."

And if that fear becomes overwhelming, say animal experts, some dogs will bolt from their families in search of safety.

Stressed? Pet owners can unknowingly make things worse

Ironically, pet owners can make things worse by fretting over what the Fourth of July might do to their furry friends.

"For those of us on the other side of the leash who know our dogs are sensitive to fireworks, we may start getting anxious," Croney said. "Dogs are so oftentimes attuned to our responses, they'll respond with even more fear because clearly their families are concerned as well."

Croney recommended pet owners try to project a sense of positivity: Talk calmly to your dogs and give them extra attention ahead of fireworks.

What are signs your dog is stressed? Some aren't so obvious

Experts say there are obvious, and not-so obvious warning signs that a dog is feeling stressed. They include:

• Whining.

• Shivering.

• Howling.

• Wide eyes.

• Tail tucked between legs.

• Pacing.

• Being extra clingy with their owners.

• Retreating to a safe space and hiding, sometimes inside a closet or under the bed.

Warning signs a dog is feeling overwhelmed can also include excessive panting and yawning.

"Sometimes when a dog is yawning a lot it's not because they're tired," Croney said. "This is actually a calming signal. In extreme cases, you might see dogs excessively salivating because they're fearful."

Should you bring your dog to a fireworks show?

No. Loud, crowded fireworks displays can frighten or disorient your dog, writes the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The ASPCA urges dog owners not to bring their pets to July 4th festivities. It's better they stay at home.

'Do it now': Talk to a vet about medications before July 4th

Keeping your canine companion as calm as possible around Independence Day starts early. It's recommended pet owners talk to a veterinarian and come up with a plan. In some cases, the vet might prescribe situational anxiety medication.

The important thing, say experts, is to have the medication in advance and know how your dog responds to it well before the Fourth of July.

"Do not wait until the Fourth of July to talk to a vet, or the day before when everybody else has the same questions," Croney said. "Do it now."

Can I give my dog CBD oil?

Croney advises against giving your dog CBD oil or other products not FDA-regulated without speaking to a veterinarian first. You could accidentally hurt your pet.

"This is definitely not the time to do your own sort of DIY medical treatment to manage your dog's fear," she said.

Is your dog collared? Why tags and microchips are essential ahead of Independence Day

Only about 20 percent of pets in the U.S. are microchipped, according to Renee Wolfgramm, animal welfare director for 24Pet, which distributes the devices.

Animal experts agree that microchipping can make a difference in recovering a lost pet. Once a dog is chipped, any vet or animal shelter will be able to use a scanner that will tell them who the dog’s owner is and how to reach them.

“Dogs are about twice as likely to get back home with a chip,” Wolfgramm told USA TODAY in a prior article.

If your pet is already chipped, it’s important to update any changes in phone numbers or addresses using the 15-digit chip number. If you can’t find your dog’s information, a local animal shelter should be able to scan it to help owners track down how to update their registration, she said.

"Make sure that your dog is also wearing a collar and has clearly marked ID," Croney said. "Even if they're microchipped, the best you can hope for is that someone will take them to a veterinarian or shelter to scan for that chip. But if they're wearing a collar with the family's address, it's much easier to get that dog back home."

How to make a safe, cozy spot for your dog when fireworks start

Chipping is designed to be a backup plan. It’s much easier to ensure your dog doesn’t get out in the first place.

If there are fireworks going on, be sure not to open any doors when the dog is nearby. They may bolt. If you know your dog is especially fearful around the Fourth of July, Croney suggests setting up a quiet space inside your home buffered as much as possible from outside noise.

Some things that could help your dog relax in that space include:

• Favorite toys.

• Familiar blankets.

• Chew bones.

• Soft music.

• Special treats.

• TV playing comfortable background noise (preferably not showing fireworks).

Many dogs also respond well to so-called thunder shirts, which are basically pressure wraps that provide them with comfort. For a cheaper do-it-yourself solution, swaddle your dog in a towel or blanket after watching online tutorials.

Should I kennel my dog during fireworks?

In some situations, it may be best to keep your dog in a kennel if they’re already used to one. That way, they are contained to what they view as a safe space, Lindsey Demko, who owns a dog-training business in Houston, told USA TODAY.

If your dog refuses to get inside their kennel, Croney advises owners not to force them into one. The heightened fear could lead your pet to try and bust out of their crate, causing a serious injury.

One of the best things you can do for your dog, she said, is to stay calm yourself and have someone monitor their behavior if that's possible.

How to keep your dog calm on the Fourth of July: Get them tired physically and mentally

Exhausting dogs both physically and mentally before the fireworks go off can help keep them calm.

“Getting them physically tired can help their body stay relaxed, but you also want to relax their mind,” Demko said.

Physically, that means taking them on long walks or runs, and having extended play sessions. Mentally, that means giving them puzzle games to play, like hiding treats all over the house so they can go on a treasure hunt.

Make the Fourth of July a positive experience for your pets

Preparation is key, say animal experts, for getting your pets through the Fourth of July. You can help mitigate the unfamiliar, uncomfortable booms of fireworks with lots of love and making the night as enjoyable as you can.

"Make sure that you've planned really good, fun things to happen so that not only is your dog unafraid, but they have the potential to associate fireworks with positive things," Croney said. "This is the time to bring out special treats and give them extra attention. Any of these things can help dogs have a better experience."

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John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at JTuftsReports

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Start now to make Fourth of July fireworks less terrifying for dogs