Every Fourth of July, I end up with an 80-pound lap dog. From the moment the first firecracker pops, my German shepherd mix, Hannah, tries to convince me that she's not that heavy and that the best way for us to mark the holiday is with her squashed up against my legs. Fortunately, there are some ways for both of us to survive Independence Day fireworks without my losing my independence to a canine-inflicted leg injury:

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• The most soothing thing for scared dogs is to have their guardians close by. It's pretty easy for me to distract Hannah with games, brushing, petting, or food, and I make sure that I act upbeat and calm in order to reinforce the idea that she doesn't have a reason to be afraid.
• Drowning out fireworks with white noise or, even better, with "Through a Dog's Ear" CDs, which are specially created by a sound scientist, a veterinarian, and a concert pianist to calm anxious dogs, makes the loud booms seem less frightening, and shutting the curtains and keeping the lights on helps to camouflage any sudden bursts of light.
• Melatonin is the best calming natural supplement for dogs, and you can find it at any health food store. Give your dog from 1 to 4 mg, depending on bodyweight, and try to give it a little ahead of the fireworks, if possible.
• A Thundershirt might well be the best solution of all. This snug garment (based on the same principle as swaddling a baby) has a very high success rate at calming anxious dogs. Many pet supply stores and vets now stock them.

Also, although Hannah isn't the type to bolt if she gets startled, many dogs do dig under fences, tear through screen doors and windows, and even chew their way out of crates (another reason why crates are a bad idea) when they’re afraid, so I've got her microchipped and I keep her collar and tags on her during the fireworks, just in case. If you know anyone who makes their dog stay outside, please urge them to keep the dog indoors at least on the Fourth of July in order to prevent him or her from escaping or getting injured.   

Here's to a safe and stress-free Independence Day for you and your pooch!

Phil Guest / CC by 2.0

Animals in Jersey City can rest a lot easier this Fourth of July now that a planned fireworks display has been canceled because of a lack of funds. We're asking city officials to end all future fireworks displays and replace them with less costly, more entertaining laser light shows instead.

Fireworks sound like all-out war to dogs, cats, and wildlife and can have devastating consequences. Just ask J.J., the terrified dog Karin wrote about in her recent blog post. My dog, Henry, and I are planning to just chill at home this year and have our own little laser light show (which consists of him chasing a laser pointer). Good times.

You, too, can ensure that a good (and safe) time is had by everyone in your household by following these dog-and-cat-approved fireworks survival tips. And of course, Happy Fourth of July!

Written by Amy Skylark Elizabeth

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For many Americans, Fourth of July celebrations represent copious amounts of barbecue, beer, and fireworks. But for animals, the holiday means terror, thanks to the thunderous explosions that typically start days before the official holiday and never seem to end. Desperate to escape the ear-shattering booms of fireworks displays, even the coolest cats will scatter and the most docile dogs will chew, dig, claw, and otherwise try to break free from their confines and run for the hills. After all, their hearing is much more sensitive than ours.

Such escapes take place all over the country, and one story made national headlines last year: Knowing that their dog, J.J., feared fireworks, Spokane police thought it would be a good idea to lock him in a kennel. Wrong answer.

J.J. was so terrified by the fireworks that he used his teeth to bend open the steel latch to his kennel in order to escape. J.J. was found the next day—but countless dogs who flee are lost for days—or forever. Any animal shelter employee will tell you that the number of lost dogs and cats skyrockets every year after Fourth of July fireworks celebrations.

PETA needs your help as we collect data to strengthen efforts to convince communities across the country to celebrate with spectacular laser light shows instead of noisy fireworks displays. Until my city cans the explosions, I'll celebrate Independence Day inside, practicing these helpful tips for calming my dogs and cats. My curtains will be drawn, and I'll be playing Beethoven to drown out the neighborhood noise. After all, it's no holiday for me if it's a helliday for my animal companions. Don't you agree?

Written by Karin Bennett

The Fourth of July is fast approaching, and like many Americans, you're probably thinking about firing up the grill and preparing some tasty vegan fare that doesn't form cancer-promoting chemicals like charred barbecued beef and fried fish and chicken do. You've probably even got the marinades all ready.

But what's a compassionate chef without a "Kiss Me, I'm Vegan" apron?

For this "Win It" Wednesday, you can score our stylin' new "Kiss Me, I'm Vegan" apron (hot guys or gals to kiss not included). To win, just share the most scrumptious vegan barbecue recipe that you plan to prepare this July 4—and all cookout season long—in the comment field below. The person who submits the recipe that makes our mouths water the most will win the apron. My mouth is already watering thinking about Grilled Seitan With Crisp Apple Salsa and Tandoori "Chicken" Kabobs. Can anybody top them?

The contest ends on July 14, 2010, and we'll pick the winner on July 16, 2010. Be sure to read our privacy policy and terms and conditions, as you're agreeing to both by commenting.

Good luck, and happy Independence Day!

Written by Heather Moore

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Remember, the Fourth of July comes only once a year, but you can make your own fireworks every day with veggie Viagra! Enjoy your holiday!

Written by Karin Bennett

Happy Fourth of July from everyone at PETA! Except me. I’m British.

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