To your furry friend, the sky appears to be exploding for no reason and yet everyone seems weirdly fine about it. If your typically dignified dog spends each Independence Day vibrating behind the toilet, you’re not alone. Here’s how to get you and Fido through it.

1. Tucker them out before the chaos

A tired dog, is usually a calmer dog. Take them on a long walk, play fetch until they drop, do a morning adventure. Emphasis on “morning. Take care of the energy before Scott starts his firework show because the second he lights up, Fido is never leaving the house again.

2. Build a bunker (call it their ‘safe space’)

Dogs tend to handle scary noises better when they have a den like structure somewhere to hide. A crate with a blanket does nicely, closet may feel a smidge “boy under the stairs” but works, whatever makes them feel hidden and safe.

Pro tip: add an old t-shirt that smells like you because to them, you are the safe between them and a war in the sky.

3. Drown out the loud “bangs”

The goal here is to make sure the random explosions are less of a pure event. Close the windows, draw the curtains, and turn on white noise or background noise that can distract from the chaos outside. Use a fan, the TV, or some classic classical music.

4. Be cool. Aggressively cool.

This one can be tough. When your puppy is shaking from fear, try not to panic. Much like when a baby is learning to walk falls, if you make a big to-do about it, they will think there’s a big to-do and cry. Keep your demeanor calm and cool as a cucumber. Comfort is fine, we’re not saying ignore the babe, just keep your energy calm and in-check.

5. Tag, chip, and lock up

This is a crazy observation: more dogs go missing on the 4th of July than any other day of the year. A scared dog is a flight risk that can clear a fence you thought was way too tall for them. Before the fireworks start, make sure your tags are current, the microchip information is updated, and the gates are truly latched. Remember, dogs are escape artists when they’re frightened.

6. Know when it’s more than nerves

Some dogs are mildly annoyed by fireworks, while others are severely scared and no amount of precautions can help them. If your dog hurts themselves trying to escape, won’t eat, or is inconsolable for hours, contact your vet. No shame in it, but some dogs need a little pharmaceutical help to get through the fourth.

When the show is over:

Once the smoke clears and your dog emerges, be sure to take an extra breath and spoil your furry babe a bit.

Happy Independence Day. May your dog be semi-calm, your gates stay latched, and your yard become our problem.