Fireworks can cause an increase in lost and injured animals.

Sheri Yingling, a retired vet technician and a board member and volunteer of the Lycoming Animal Protection Society, has noticed patterns in missing pet posts on Facebook.

“You see a lot more lost pets advertised” around July 4, Yingling said.

July 4 and 5 see more missing pets than any other day of the year, according to the American Kennel Club.

Fireworks contain loud noises, odd smells and flashing lights, all of which can frighten animals. Pets can even injure themselves out of fear.

“Some dogs will jump through windows,” Yingling said. “They can get hit by a car.”

Trouble also arises if escaped pets encounter wild animals. They can get sprayed by skunks, quilled by porcupines or get into fights with other wild or domestic animals, Yingling said.

“There are a lot of psychological, stress-related issues,” Yingling said.

These issues mainly show themselves in dogs, Yingling said, but they can occur in most any animal.

Pets might bark, whine, shake, refuse to eat or have gastrointestinal distress due to the noises.

“Some of them… it’s almost like PTSD; it’ll go on for weeks afterwards,” Yingling said.

If you know a fireworks show is coming up, like Williamsport’s Set the Night to Music Fireworks Extravaganza at 9:40 p.m. July 4, there are some things you can do to make your pet more comfortable.

Make sure to secure all doors and windows before the fireworks start. Try crating your pet or putting them in an interior room where it is quieter. Playing white noise, music or TV can help the noise issue.

Distracting your pet is another good option. Chewing can release endorphins, so giving your dog a new bone or chew toy can help them calm down. Sitting quietly and petting your animal can help with stress, too.

Yingling suggests making sure your pet is microchipped and/or has updated ID tags. Be sure to have a current photo of your pet in case you need to make posters if your pet escapes.

“It’s always best for owners to be prepared,” Yingling said.