For many dogs and cats, Fourth of July fireworks are an explosive nightmare that can make them run for their lives. Animal shelters nationwide report an increase in the number of lost dogs and cats following traditional fireworks displays. PETA encourages families to protect their animal companions by never taking them to fireworks displays. Instead, keep your furry friends indoors, and if possible, stay home with them on nights when fireworks will be ignited.

1. Ensure that your animals are wearing collars or harnesses with up-to-date ID tags. It’s also a good idea to have them microchipped by your veterinarian.

2. Close all your windows, curtains, and blinds. Frightened animals sometimes attempt to jump through windows, even from upper floors. Turn on a classical-music radio station, play music specially composed in order to calm dogs—such as that by Through a Dog’s Ear—or switch on the TV, window air conditioner, fan, or dehumidifier to help drown out the sound of the fireworks.

3. Distract your animal companions by playing games, and be generous with treats to reinforce times when they’re ignoring the explosions. In addition to working as a reward, food has a beneficial effect on their brain chemistry.

4. Thundershirts provides gentle, consistent pressure that can help both dogs and cats feel more secure and relaxed during fireworks displays and thunderstorms.

5. Take dogs for a long walk in the evening before the fireworks begin in order to tire them out.