The 4th of July is a time for celebrations, fun outdoor activities and fireworks, but it can be a dangerous time for pets. In fact, the number of pets that go missing on Independence Day is higher compared to the rest of the year. Use these tips to keep pets safe this 4th of July.

Watch Dogs at All Times Outside

Dogs that are outdoors on the 4th of July shouldn’t be left unattended, even if they’re usually well-behaved and calm. Fireworks can startle them and cause them to run off, where they might get lost or be injured by cars. If your dogs will be outside this Independence Day, have someone watch them at all times and make sure they have their ID tags on. These tags can make it easier for anyone who finds your dogs to determine who owns them. If your dogs don’t have microchips already, consider having this done before the holiday. Microchips are another way for others to find out who your dogs belong to and return them to you.

Give Dogs Plenty of Exercise During the Day

Some dogs can get overly excited on the 4th of July due to fireworks, crowds and other distractions. Making sure they get a lot of exercise earlier in the day can reduce over excitement and anxiety. Take your dogs to a local dog park or have them run around your yard to burn off energy. You can also take them for a couple of walks to keep them physically active before the 4th of July festivities begin.

Provide Dogs with Distractions

Dogs who are terrified of fireworks react in different ways. Some calmly find a place to hide from the noise, but others might resort to destructive behavior out of fear. Giving them distractions, such as toys, can help take their mind off of fireworks. If you’ll be supervising your dogs, you can give them something distracting to chew on, such as a Kong filled with peanut butter or a raw marrow bone.

Natural Calming Products

If you have dogs who are nervous on the 4th of July thanks to fireworks, natural supplements can help them stay calm. Look for dog-friendly supplements with all natural ingredients that are known to be calming, such as valerian and chamomile. Lavender also has natural calming properties, making it a great choice for scented candles in your home.