More Dogs Go Missing on the Fourth of July. Here's Why

If you have a dog, you're probably already aware that they can get very skittish around Fourth of July fireworks.

Fireworks are not a dog's best friend.

What you might not know, though, is that the Fourth of July holiday sees a "huge uptick" in missing dogs. That's according to Fox News, which reported that the increase in lost pets occurs "between July 4 and July 6," with some shelters reporting increases as high as 60 percent.

KHOU-TV reported a similar spike. "Animal control officials nationwide see a 30% to 60% increase in lost pets each year between July 4 and July 6," the television station reported. The culprit again is fireworks.

July 5 is "even considered one of the busiest days for animal shelters," Fox News reported, as shelters take in lost animals and people come looking for them.

But why?

According to Fox News, fireworks can so rattle dogs that they take off running and disappear.

The network advises keeping dogs "indoors and secure" during fireworks displays and putting the dog in a "quiet room" where he or she feels safe.

"The 4th of July is one of the busiest times for missing pet reports," said Houston's Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman in an emailed news release to KHOU-TV. "A microchip or tracking device like an AirTag can make all the difference in bringing your pet home quickly and safely."

According to that television station, pets send off warning signs that they are disturbed by fireworks. 

They include "hiding, excessive licking, or pacing behavior."

Closing curtains so the pet can't see the fireworks and turning on background noise like a television to drown it out can be good strategies on July 4, according to KHOU.

According to News Nation, it's not advisable to bring pets to fireworks shows. 

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