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Tips to keep your pet from running away during fireworks

The 4th of July is the day when most pets go missing. We speak to an expert to help allow all members of your family to enjoy the celebrations.

PORTLAND (NEWS CENTER Maine) -- The 4th of July is a time to celebrate with fireworks, but your four-legged friends may think otherwise.

Lost Dogs of America, a website that helps track missing dogs, says more pets go missing on the 4th than on any other day of the year, because most pets HATE loud and sudden noises that come from fireworks. According to Jeana Roth of the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, there are some steps you can take to avoid heartbreak:

  • If you can, either stay home with your pet or leave them home.
  • Set up a safe and open space in which to allow your pet to stay relaxed.
  • If you must have your pet with you, make sure they've got a collar with into and a microchip.
  • "Thunder Shirts" can also help. You can learn to make one online.

If your pet manages to run off, Roth says to contact your local animal control officer. The State of Maine's website hosts a list of each officer for each town.

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