Independence Day can trigger many pet care problems including heat stroke, anxious, lost, sick, or injured pets.

Here are some tips to get you and your pet through the long weekend.

Loud noises startle and distress pets.  Scared pets have been known to jump out of apartment windows, leap over or dig under fences.  They may also bolt out an open door and become lost and never found.

What does an anxious pet look like?  Signs of anxiety can include pacing, trembling, panting, drooling, attention seeking (vocalizing, pawing, nuzzling, and climbing on people), hiding - looking for a place to hide, and bolting.

• Line up some chemical calm.  Call us in advance to get a medication to keep them calm.  While you are at it, get the location and phone number of the nearest emergency clinic.  Remember to give the medications as recommended -- they usually work best before the fireworks begin
• Set up a safe room.  It's not a bad idea to secure them in a quiet room, or a crate if they're used to one.  Use the radio or television as a distraction from the noise outside.
• Keep your pets secure.  Frightened dogs have been know to go through barriers that would normally hold them.  And cats may be targets of cruel pranksters.
• Prepare for the worst.   Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with ID tags.
• Know what to do if you lose your pet.  Start looking as soon as you discover your pet is missing.  Cover your neighborhood with fliers and check with veterinarians, emergency clinics and shelters.
• Heat may be a problem when people take their dogs along to outdoor events.  Don't let having a good time distract you from keeping an eye on your dog.  Be sure they're getting lots of water.  And of course, your dog should never be left in a car, even with the windows cracked, on any warm day -- even a few minutes could be deadly.
• Panting and glassy eyes may be signs of an overheated dog.  Apply as much cool -- not ice cold -- water as you can to your dog's body, and get him to a veterinarian as soon as possible.  Heat stress is not something that can wait.  it is a life - threatening emergency.  Older or obese dogs, or short-nosed such as pugs or boxers, are at the greatest risk, as are those with darker coats.

Remember if you are holding a party, try to limit your pets intake of people food.  Or better yet stay away from it altogether.  Hamburgers, steak, and hot dogs may cause your pet to have vomiting or diarrhea.  Grapes and raisins can be life threatening.  Sugar free products containing Xylitol can cause dangerously low blood sugar levels in dogs.  Onions and garlic may cause blood disorders.  Macadamia nuts may be harmful as well.