St. Louis, MO  (KTRS)  The Humane Society of Missouri is sharing tips on how to protect pets this Fourth of July. For pets, the heat, noise and human treats are not ingredients for a fun party, because pets rely on owners to keep them safe.

Here are some helpful tips for pet owners to consider from the Declaration of Pet Safety, provided by the Humane Society of Missouri”

I. Pets should be kept at home if possible, with a quiet cool place to retreat where heat and sounds are less intense.
a. Dogs and cats are more sensitive to loud noises, so fireworks can cause serious stress.
b. A basement or interior room with access to clean, cool water is a great place for pets to relax. Close the windows and turn on a radio or television to mask the sounds, and have their favorite toys and bed to comfort them.
i. A fearful animal should never be confined on a chain or in a small crate, as this could increase their panic.
ii. If your pet is extremely anxious with loud noises, visit your veterinarian immediately this week to discuss anti-anxiety options.

II. Pets should never attend celebrations with fireworks, but if you can’t avoid taking them, keep in mind the following:
a. Never leave pets in a parked car, even at night or with the windows cracked. At just 70 degrees, internal car temperatures can skyrocket to more than 100 degrees in minutes.
b. Make sure dogs wear a collar, ID tag and have an up-to-date microchip to help ensure a safe return if lost.
c. Keep dogs on a short, secure leash at all times and watch for signs of stress. Never use a retractable leash in crowded areas, and have a back-up plan should your dog become overwhelmed by the activities.

III. Human treats should be left to the humans at picnics and parties, while pets should only have access to what’s best for them.
a. Avoid giving pets any type of food outside their normal diet, like barbecue leftovers or party snacks, and make sure they do not get into trash bags or open beverage containers lying around. These goodies can seriously upset a pet’s digestive tract.
b. Keep fireworks, glow sticks, lighter fluid, sunscreen, insect repellent, citronella candles and other potentially dangerous items away from a pet’s curiosity.
For more information on how to care for pets in hot weather or to keep them safe during holiday celebrations, please visit www.hsmo.org

Written By: Jarina Ball