By Anne Levin

Heather Achenbach used to love fireworks. But ever since becoming executive director of SAVE — A Friend to Homeless Animals, her fondness for the summer ritual has diminished.

“When I saw the volume of lost dogs, who run away because they get scared by fireworks, I was amazed,” said Achenbach, who joined the Skillman rescue organization six years ago. “From SAVE’s perspective as a shelter that receives lost and found pets, I can say that every year when fireworks season starts — and it really starts around the Montgomery fireworks [Memorial Day weekend], which happen to be next door to our campus, through July 4 weekend — there is absolutely an uptick in lost dogs. The statistics are pretty high.”

According to petamberalert.com, it is estimated that there is a 30 to 60 percent increase in lost pets between July 4-6. One local example is Oreo, a 10-pound black York-Bichon who ran off after getting scared by Memorial Day weekend fireworks at Princeton University. The 3-year-old dog is still missing, but his family is hopeful because there have been sightings — call (215) 620-5992 if you think you’ve seen him.

While other animals can be affected, dogs are the most demonstrative. Those who display fear of thunder and other loud noises are most likely to fear the sights, smells, and particularly the sounds of holiday fireworks. While some dogs aren’t bothered, others might shake, howl, bark, or just hide, if they are inside. Those who are outside with their owners, at a picnic or barbecue that might culminate with a fireworks display, shouldn’t be.

“Please do not take your dog to fireworks,” said Achenbach. “I can’t say that often enough, even if the dog is not afraid.”

Planning ahead is essential. Anti-anxiety medications, “thundershirts,” and calming pheromone diffusers and sprays can help promote feelings of calm in a dog that is known to fear fireworks. Making sure the dog is microchipped is key.

“If your pet is microchipped, make sure the chip information is up to date,” said Dr. Jessica Applebaum and veterinary technician Cathy Merrigan of Sycamore Veterinary Hospital in Newtown, Pa. “More pets go missing over Fourth of July weekend than any other time of year. A microchip greatly improves their chances of being reunited with you.”

For fearful pets who are kept inside during the fireworks display, find an enclosed space in the house that can make them feel safe. “This room should have no windows, or windows with dark curtains that can block out the flashing lights of the fireworks,” Applebaum and Merrigan said. “Include a white noise machine, television, or radio that you can play at low to moderate volume to help mask the noise of fireworks. This room ideally should not be close to a door that goes outside. Any windows in this room should be shut securely. Remove any objects that the pet can hurt himself on, knock over and break, or chew up and ingest because he’s anxious.”

Distraction can help. At SAVE, the lullaby played for dogs and cats is turned up to a higher volume during fireworks. “If you have to leave home, make sure you give them some alternative noise like radio or TV,” said Achenbach. “Or give them a nice bone to chew, fill a Kong toy, or even give them a new toy. Make it a positive instead of a negative.”

Should your dog manage to escape, know how to search. “Call the police and animal control, and not just for your town. If that pet crosses borders, like from Princeton to Lawrence or Montgomery, call them all,” said Achenbach. “Make sure all of them get a picture. Call all of the shelters too, and make sure they get a picture. Hang flyers as fast as you can.”

But don’t put the name of the pet on the flyer. “Never chase them, not even your own pet,” Achenbach said. “If they’re afraid, get low to the ground, and speak very gently. You want them to know it’s safe, it’s OK. Never give up. Keep calling the shelters. Visit them and ask to see their impounded pets, because you never know. But remember you need proof of ownership to claim a pet.”

If fireworks are scheduled, feed the dog and take them on a long walk early. “If you have to walk him close to fireworks time, make sure he is on a sturdy leash and his collar or harness fits appropriately so he can’t slip out,” said Applebaum. “Remain calm. Your pet will pick up on and mirror your anxiety.”