The fourth of July is a very special holiday to most Americans. Most families look forward to the festivities that take place over this holiday season. However, many animals will suffer from severe anxiety over the fourth of July weekend. It is important to have a plan in place in order to make this week a little easier on your pets.

The first tip we have to help prepare for the firework season is to provide your dog with a safe haven. Their safe haven should be a relatively quiet area where they can feel relaxed and in control. We want the dog to associate the space with positive experiences, so leaving their toys in the space would help as well. It will take time for your dog to learn that this is his or her safe space, so it is important to have this place set aside for them well before the firework season begins. It is also important to move your dog to the safe haven each evening on the week of the fireworks to help establish a routine.

Our next tips are to help you prepare on the day of the fire works.

• You should walk your dog during the daylight hours to avoid times when fireworks are being set off.

• Make sure all windows and curtains are closed in order to muffle sounds and blackout your dog's safe haven.

• Play background music music or the television as a way to mask the sound of the fireworks.

• Administer some type of anxiety medication to your dog if you know he or she is going to be miserable. Trazodone is a medication we commonly prescribe to dogs during this time of year, but please remember your dog must be seen in order to get a script for this medication. We are typically booked so it can be difficult to receive this type of medication on short notice.