There are two dates on the calender that almost guarantee your pet freaking the @#$% out from the loud, scary air-bombs that explode in different colors: New year's Eve and the Fourth of July. Remember, their hearing is much more acute than humans, so a firework can sound like a meteor destroying earth to your pet.The Santa Fe Animal Shelter and Humane Society have some advice to reduce the stress your pets feels during Independence Day.

Noise anxiety causes many pets to do whatever they can to get away—hiding for cover or even jumping through screened doors and windows.
Shelter and veterinarians agree that when it comes to pets, playing it safe is the best bet. Follow these simple tips to make the holiday a pleasant one for you and your best friends:

• Keep animals away from fireworks. Leave them at home if you’re headed to a fireworks display.
• Stay indoors with your pet if you can, but if you plan to leave, make a safe place available for your animal, such as an open closet or crate. Leave the television or music on to diffuse outside noise.
  
• Offer a toy or treat to keep your pet occupied.
• Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with up-to-date information on his or her tags. Microchip your pet.

If your pet does disappear, immediately inform your friends and neighbors and canvass the area. Post flyers with a current photo of your pet and call the shelter at 983-4309, ext. 606, or check the shelter’s Lost Pet website at www.sfhumanesociety.org