Fourth of July celebrations are in full swing, which means fun with family, food and usually fireworks.But for some, fireworks create issues.Steven Elonich, with the Nebraska Humane Society, said when dogs get firework anxiety, it shows up as the dog shutting down, shaking or showing big puppy dog eyes. Elonich said fireworks sounds are amplified in a dog’s ear, adding to their fear.That fear and confusion can cause your dog to respond in ways you’re not used to seeing.”A startle could make them act differently. They can jump a fence, they can take off,” Elonich said.Reactions like that are why the NHS sees a major spike in strays on the Fourth of July.Numbers from previous years show just that. From 6/28/24 – 7/7/2024, NHS took in 130 stray cats and 72 stray dogs.Fifteen of those dogs came in the night before the 4th of July.”That’s why we really recommend making sure that their collars say, making sure they have their tags on. If you don’t have those tags, write your name with a Sharpie on their collar. Don’t let them out when fireworks are going on, do that earlier in the day,” Elonich said.Elonich said NHS sees an uptick in strays every single year, and helping return those animals home is a community effort. “If you can keep in your backyard or your garage. That’s super helpful for us. And statistically, it’s more likely that you can find the owner on your own, because odds are the dogs from somewhere nearby,” Elonich.If you see a stray, in addition to calling the NHS, Elonich recommends people post on apps like Nextdoor and Facebook.Lost Pets of Omaha area is one group that NHS recommends If your pet does get out, NHS is here to help.”Come on in the shelter. We’ll happily walk you through our stray kennels, they’re always on our website too,” Elonich said.As for how to keep your animals comfortable while inside:”Put them in a quiet room on the day of. If you’re in a confined room, no windows, quiet space, put on some calming music for dogs. They love instrumentals,” Elonich said. NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |

OMAHA, Neb. —

Fourth of July celebrations are in full swing, which means fun with family, food and usually fireworks.

But for some, fireworks create issues.

Steven Elonich, with the Nebraska Humane Society, said when dogs get firework anxiety, it shows up as the dog shutting down, shaking or showing big puppy dog eyes.

Elonich said fireworks sounds are amplified in a dog’s ear, adding to their fear.

That fear and confusion can cause your dog to respond in ways you’re not used to seeing.

“A startle could make them act differently. They can jump a fence, they can take off,” Elonich said.

Reactions like that are why the NHS sees a major spike in strays on the Fourth of July.

Numbers from previous years show just that. From 6/28/24 – 7/7/2024, NHS took in 130 stray cats and 72 stray dogs.

Fifteen of those dogs came in the night before the 4th of July.

“That’s why we really recommend making sure that their collars say, making sure they have their tags on. If you don’t have those tags, write your name with a Sharpie on their collar. Don’t let them out when fireworks are going on, do that earlier in the day,” Elonich said.

Elonich said NHS sees an uptick in strays every single year, and helping return those animals home is a community effort.

“If you can keep [the stray] in your backyard or your garage. That’s super helpful for us. And statistically, it’s more likely that you can find the owner on your own, because odds are the dogs from somewhere nearby,” Elonich.

If you see a stray, in addition to calling the NHS, Elonich recommends people post on apps like Nextdoor and Facebook.

Lost Pets of Omaha area is one group that NHS recommends

If your pet does get out, NHS is here to help.

“Come on in the shelter. We’ll happily walk you through our stray kennels, they’re always on our website too,” Elonich said.

As for how to keep your animals comfortable while inside:

“Put them in a quiet room on the day of. If you’re in a confined room, no windows, quiet space, put on some calming music for dogs. They love instrumentals,” Elonich said.

NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |