OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -The Fourth of July is a cause for celebration for humans, but it can be very stressful for our four legged friends.
"The noises are very loud, there's the flashing lights. We also see some injuries with them interacting with the fireworks, or trying to get away from them," said Anne Brown.
Anne Brown is a veterinarian with the Hawthorne Animal Hospital in Overland Park. This weekend her facility is full of pets who are hanging out for the Fourth.
"We usually fill up pretty well during the holidays," said Brown.
Brown says a dog's keen sense of hearing can be a downfall during fireworks season. The repetition of loud noises coupled with the flashing light can be scary for dogs.
If boarding is not an option for your pet, Brown says basements and kennels inside the house can distract your dog from the noise. If that doesn't work, Brown suggests calling a veterinarian.
"Maybe talk to a veterinarian about getting a sedative. Something to just take for the night, or the few nights we do hear fireworks," said Brown.
If you put your dog inside of the house, Brown suggests turning on the television to help drown out the fireworks.
