Keeping Pets Calm This Fourth of July

Fourth of July fireworks might be fun for people, but for pets, they can be terrifying. Dr. David Jefferies at El Paseo Animal Hospital says the holiday is one of the busiest times of year at his clinic, with fireworks causing many dogs to panic, run away, and get separated from their families. He says the office is already seeing more requests for anti-anxiety medication to help pets get through the noise.

Riverside County is also stepping in to help. The county is offering free microchipping at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus so pets can be identified and returned home quickly if they do get loose.

Dr. Jefferies' advice is simple: keep pets indoors during fireworks, make sure their ID information is current, and set up a quiet, comfortable space where they can ride out the noise.