For Long Island dogs and cats, July Fourth is no holiday

Calming chews. CBD oil. Music. A quiet room with toys and blankets.

Fiona Delgardio has tried everything over the years to keep her dog, Kale, from being consumed with anxiety when the fireworks start every Fourth of July.

"We have actually moved to medication," said Delgardio, who lives in Lindenhurst with her husband and two other dogs. "The panting and panic was so high we really thought it was going to cause a medical emergency."

Kale is not alone. Independence Day can be a dangerous time for dog and cats on Long Island and nationwide. Veterinarians say more dogs — frightened by fireworks — go missing on this day than any other time of the year. They are also at higher risk of consuming party food, which may be toxic to them.

People with dogs and cats need to prepare for Friday, said Dr. Carly Fox, senior veterinarian at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center’s emergency and critical care service in Manhattan.

"Make sure your pet is microchipped and has some kind of visible identification on them if they do get out," Fox said. "Walk your dog earlier, before the fireworks start — and maybe get some extra exercise. A tired dog is a less anxious dog."

Fox said a dog’s acute hearing amplifies the sound of fireworks. They can also detect sounds softer and at a higher pitch than humans.

"It’s not only just the noises but it’s the concussion from it that they feel through their body," said Gary Rogers, president of the Nassau County SPCA. He recommended owners speak with their veterinarians about possible treatments.

Delgardio said her veterinarian suggested medication after viewing a video of Kale reacting to fireworks. Since their other two dogs are also not fans of fireworks, her family is staying home for the night.

Leaving pets at home or in a quiet space during parties is the best way to keep them safe, experts said.

If you do bring them to celebrations, make sure no one feeds your pet without your permission, said Suffolk County SPCA Chief Roy Gross. Common party foods such as chocolate, grapes and alcohol are toxic for dogs.

Gross recalled one instance when a dog got sick from eating a whole pepperoni left out unattended.

"You have to be cautious," he said. "Spices and things like that should be avoided."

Fox said dogs may also grab discarded food items, such as corn cobs, rib bones and chicken bones, that can get stuck in their intestinal tracts, causing a dangerous obstruction.

"Anything that's super fatty can cause pancreatitis," she said. "Animals can get into alcohol and it can make them very sick. I’ve seen many cases ... and, to be honest with you, they have variable outcomes. It’s not cute to feed your dog a beer."