It's important as you prepare for the 4th of July to not only plan fun activities for yourself but to keep your fur baby in mind. Many dogs don't like the 4th of July because the sounds scare them. In fact, many have known to run away if they're not secure at their home. Prepare yourself for the 4th of July by keeping your precious pooch safe. Your doggy will appreciate it!

July 5, while many people relax after Independence Day festivities or prepare to continue the fun at weekend barbecues, others spend the day searching desperately for their lost pets — dogs who, frightened by July 4 fireworks displays escaped the yard, or indoor-outdoor cats who usually come inside when called but are nowhere to be found after the neighbor’s late-night firecracker marathon.

It turns out July 5’s stats are not surprising. DogTime.com outlines the danger fireworks and firecrackers pose to your pet: Not only can they cause direct and serious injury when animals try to attack or play with mortars, bottle rockets, sparklers, and other festive but dangerous explosives, but the loud and sudden noises they create can cause Fido and Fluffy to panic and bolt. The eve of July 4, while towns and backyard barbecues commemorate America’s birthday with fireworks displays, nervous pets don’t hear celebrations — they hear a warzone.

But don’t fret — there are several preventative measures you can take to make sure your beloved fur kids don’t become part of the statistics this holiday weekend.

Do not leave Fido outdoors unsupervised, even in a fenced yard — frightened dogs, startled by the loud pops and bangs of fireworks and firecrackers, are more likely to jump fences to try and escape the noise. And definitely do not leave your pet tied up outside, as animals scared by fireworks have been known to strangle themselves to try and break free.

Perhaps most importantly, before you head off to parties and patriotic parades this holiday weekend, make sure your pet’s identification tags and microchip information are up-to-date with your current contact information in the event that Fido or Fluffy does get out.

Now that you can properly prepare Fido for the 4th of July madness, you'll be able to enjoy your holiday weekend with ease. Making sure your pooch is safe and comfortable during festive occasions is very important!

For more information on 4th of July safety tips, visit Dogtime.