Noise, excitement of Fourth can frighten our furry friends

The SPCA sees more people bringing lost dogs into the center, checking for microchips, Anderson said.

Orange County, Fla., Animal Services said it saw a slight jump in the week following July Fourth last year.

During the week of June 22-28, the pound picked up 600 animals. The following week, the county took in 511 creatures. And between July 6-12, animal services collected 570, Animal Services spokeswoman Vanessa Bouffard said.

While Jemma cowers in the corner, Leyser's other German shepherd, Lucy, isn't fazed by the holiday.

"She could care less," Leyser said about her 4-year-old pooch.

Dog experts say it's hard to explain why some pooches shiver, hide and howl at loud noises while others sleep through them.

"It's difficult to predict," said Dr. Keith Tribble at Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital.

Jones agreed.

Some pets are "naturally scaredy cats and naturally more frightened, but it's out of a fearful situation they become afraid. To train that out of them, we need to try to reduce the fear," Jones said.

Distract them. Give them a toy to chew. Comfort them — but not too much. Talk to your vet.

Everyone may have a different reason for the fear.

"It's very individual," Anderson said. "Some of us like rock concerts, and some of us like libraries."

And some hate fireworks.

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TIPS TO HELP YOUR PET SURVIVE

1. Unless you know for sure they love it as much as you do, don't take your pets to the fireworks show.

2. Keep your pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals can go nuts, tearing up stuff, so remember to remove items that could be destroyed or harmful if chewed.

3. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep your pooch company while you're attending Fourth of July festivities.

4. Let your dog run around at the park earlier in the day so they tire out.

5. Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn't leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.

6. Make sure your furry friends are wearing identification tags. Animals found running at large should be taken to a shelter, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners.

SOURCES: Veterinarians, Humane Society of the United States