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How To Keep Your Scaredy Cats (And Dogs) Safe On July Fourth

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The Kansas Humane Society says when the fireworks are going off outdoors, it's best to keep your pets indoors.

The Fourth of July brings celebrations and fireworks, which can be frightening to dogs and cats. But there are ways to help our pets cope.

While fireworks are going off outdoors, Emily Griffin, spokeswoman for the Kansas Humane Society, says it's best to keep your pets indoors.

"Keep them in the innermost part of your house, if you can, away from the doors and windows so they're not as close to the sights and sounds that are outside," she says. "You can turn on a TV or play some music to distract them from the noise outside as well. Also, if you wear them out ahead of time and feed them a big meal, they're more likely to get that energy out before, be a little bit calmer and feel more content even when the fireworks are going on."

More safety tips from the Humane Society

In addition, she says make sure your dog or cat is wearing a collar with proper ID if they do manage to get out. Thunder shirts are also available to help reduce a pet's anxiety.

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Carla Eckels is assistant news director and the host of Soulsations. Follow her on Twitter @Eckels.

To contact KMUW News or to send in a news tip, reach us at news@kmuw.org.

Carla Eckels is Director of Organizational Culture at KMUW. She produces and hosts the R&B and gospel show Soulsations and brings stories of race and culture to The Range with the monthly segment In the Mix. Carla was inducted into The Kansas African American Museum's Trailblazers Hall of Fame in 2020 for her work in broadcast/journalism.