Vets and SPCA provide tips for pet owners to prep for July 4th celebrations

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Veterinarians and the SPCA say the day after Fourth of July is their busiest of the year, but it can be the scariest and most dangerous for your animals.

The loud booming of fireworks on July 4th can be enough to send your pets off the edge - causing them to get injured and sometimes killed.

"They may run through plate glass windows, they may run out in the middle of the street, jump the fence, dig out the fence," said Chris Dobbins, medical director of Fresno Pet ER. "We've already seen that happening since Saturday night."

Vets recommend to keep them inside and, if possible, make sure it's a room without windows or in a crate and to turn on a TV or radio to help distract them and mute the sound of fireworks.

"If we go outside to watch the fireworks and leave him in, he panics," pet owner Beverly Nelson said. "And he will possibly come through a window. He gets real panicky, so we either stay inside with him or bring him out with us and then he's okay, but he has to be with us."

Vets say Benadryl is a common option if you're considering sedating your animal to minimize stress but make sure you talk to your vet ahead of time to get a prescription or the proper dose.

"Don't just do it off the cuff and say, 'Oh, I'll just do this,' because it could be an overdose," Dobbins explained.

They also say to check your driveways and yard for any leftover pieces of fireworks when letting them back outside. The Central California SPCA says a lot of scared animals will run away if they're not in a secure place and to make sure your pet has a chip, collar and tag.

"Unfortunately, a lot of the animals we receive don't have any kind of license, name tag, anything," Walter Salvari with the CCSPCA said. "So we can't call you back, so the animal just sits here for five days then either get adopted, rescued or sometimes euthanized."

SPCA officials say if your animal does go missing on the 4th, make sure you come check the center. They are extending their hours the following day and also offering lower costs to reclaim them.