By WKTV Staff

Have a dog or few? If so, you may be dreading the impending fireworks. By now, you’ve probably already gotten a taste of how your pet reacts to loud noises — neighborhood kids like to set off fireworks a few days early.

Tales of dogs escaping yards abound — just ask your local Humane Society. And veterinarians say that July 3rd is usually the most trafficked day in their offices, with clients coming in to get drugs for their dogs.

Fireworks displays are an inevitability, but there are some things you can do to help keep your pup calm. Here are some tips for surviving the loud booms.

• Exercise your dog earlier in the day to release pent-up energy.
• Keep your canine indoors during fireworks and keep him company, if possible. Run the air conditioner to keep him cool.
• Don’t take your dog with you to a fireworks display. (That’s just nuts.)
• Make sure your dog has a safe place inside to retreat to. Dogs often feel safer in small, enclosed places if they’re scared of loud sounds. Consider crating your pup, if he’s comfortable there. Covering the crate will help.
• Keep windows and curtains closed, if possible. Removing visual stimulation can really help.
• Ensure that your dog wears ID tags with a collar that fits properly. That way, if he somehow escapes, there is a better chance that he’ll be returned to you.
• Leave Fido a frozen Kong toy filled with his favorite morsels. It’s a good distraction.

For more tips, go here.

And take heart. It will all be over soon. (Until next year…)