How to Avoid a dose of Furry Freedom this Fourth

Independence Day commemorates our liberation from the rule of not just another country but of another ideal.

This is the day in which we said we can do as we wish, go where we want and live as we want to live; that our free will will not be overridden by another person's parents. The excitement of this holiday has a way of spreading through us all. Every bang of a firecracker is a reminder that we are free.

Even our dogs get caught up in our patriotism. The smells of endorphins, hotdogs and gun powder overwhelm them with the need for freedom. In other words with all the fun and loud noises going on the Fourth of July is the number one day that dogs seek their freedom and run away.

As you know dogs aren't big fans of fireworks, so obviously the sporadic loud noises throughout the day will put their nerves on edge. All you need to do after that is show your dog an open door and trigger their flight or fight response. Nothing makes you feel more trapped and powerless than trying to find a lost dog. Your best way to deal with this feeling is to prevent it.

• Don't let your dog run free without leash or a fenced in backyard; even if your dog is trustworthy in these situations under normal circumstances.
• Make sure that people are aware not to leave exits to your house or yard open.
• Prevent your dog from being exposed to fireworks as much as possible.
• Make sure that your dog has had a nice big walk or enough exercise before the festivities. A tired dog is less likely to succumb to panic or excessive patriotism.
• Don't forget to pay attention to your dog even if you are on your 5th tie breaker round of cornhole.

A quick note on foods: Your dog is bound to get a hold of random foods throughout the day. Due to excess salt, fat and toxins little of it is good for your dog. Try not to give any to your dog on purpose.

Their are bigger foods to avoid. Grapes, onions and chocolate can cause kidney failure. Chicken bones are brittle and can cause cuts and punctures throughout a dog's digestive system.

Beer is seemingly humorous to give dogs. It is far more toxic to their systems than to ours. They also don't understand what's wrong with them, which can be very scary.

Hope you and your family have a safe and fun Fourth of July.