The Fourth of July holiday weekend is the time when more dogs go missing than any other time of the year. It's because dogs (and cats and birds) are terrified of the noise. The crowds and flashing lights don't help, either. Booming fireworks are terrifying to dogs, who have sensitive hearing and don't know why everything is going boom. The best way to protect your pet is to keep them inside, and if possible, close to you for assurance. If you can't be at home with them, make sure your pet can't get outside, keep windows and curtains shut, and maybe play some loud but soothing music to mask the fireworks. Calming techniques may be necessary for the next several days, as people shoot off fireworks in the neighborhood fireworks. And even if you believe your pet is secure, make sure there is some identification attached to them in the case they panic and run away. Microchips are best, but if you can't get that done in time, a collar with your phone number is important.