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MISSOULA- All animals respond differently to fireworks that come along with the Fourth of July. Before heading out to celebrate the Fourth, make
sure your pets are in a safe and comfortable environment.

Loud bangs and noises can trigger an animals flight response and set them running, said Blue Mountain Veterinary Clinic owner Rollett Pruyn.

"And unfortunately, they'll just run either to some place that they find secure or if they don't find that they just take off."

Animals typically respond to fireworks as they would thunder and lightning, and horses and dogs are often especially alarmed. It takes time for animals to get used to the loud noises.

Rob Pohndorf said his dog, Jack, had to get acclimated to fireworks. "He didn't know what to think the first few years and had a typical dog response, hiding and becoming agitated," Pohndorf said.

Independence Day festivities can be especially nerve-racking for owners unsure how their new pets will behave.

"I'm not kind of horribly worried, but you just never know," Jon Linch said about his dog Maddie. "She could just be a little scared by it. But I
don't think she's going to do anything crazy or hurt herself or anything like that."

Pruyn said you can take precautions to keep your animals safe. At dusk, get your animals in a safe, secure, familiar place.

If your dog is crate trained, that's a good place for them to be.

More dogs have stress-related seizures in July than any other month. If your pet has a history of seizures, talk to your veterinarian.