ILLINOIS — If you’ve noticed fewer blasts going off leading up to July 4th, it may be because inflation and higher gas prices have kept Illinois residents from crossing the Indiana border to stock up on fireworks, and that’s good news for pets.

Northwest Indiana fireworks retailers report sales aren’t exactly booming this year, as Illinois consumers are thinking twice about gassing up the car at $6 a gallon and making the drive to Indiana. In addition, skyrocketing shipping costs from China have caused a shortage across the industry.

Greg "Krazy" Kaplan, owner of Krazy Kaplan’s, said it used to cost him $10,000 to ship a container of fireworks from China. Now it costs $42,000, and that doesn’t include the cost of fireworks.

"I would say some of the prices went up 30 percent," Kaplan told Fox 32. "Again, it’s not because I want to charge 30 percent … it’s because the cost of shipping it here was 30 percent more."

Kaplan has plenty of inventory for the Independence Day extravaganza at his five stores in Hammond, Whiting and Dyer. If you do decide to drive or carpool to Indiana, take advantage of the lower gas ($4.92 per gallon) and food prices.

While fewer fireworks may be getting blown off in your neighborhood this 4th of July (except for the idiot lighting M80s at 1 o’clock in the morning), it doesn’t mean pet owners, especially those with dogs, should let their guard down.

Dogs have a heightened sense of hearing, and the cacophony of noise from 4th of July fireworks can be "utterly terrifying" for them, according to the American Humane Society. Even dogs that are secured with a leash or chain can break loose and jump a high fence when frightened.

More pets go missing in the days around July 4 than any other time of the year, and shelters are already full waiting to find forever homes. Here, from our friends at Lost Dogs Illinois, are some tips for preparing your dog for the 4th of July.

IDENTIFICATION: If you haven’t done so already, make sure your dog had a properly fitted, snug collar and an easy-to-read ID tag with your current phone number. Have up-to-date pictures ready of your dog from all angles, and note any special markings handy. For every $5 donation to Lost Dogs Illinois, pet owners are eligible for one free engraved name tag, which includes your pet’s name and two contact phone numbers.

MICROCHIPS: Confirm that your pet’s microchip is properly registered to you – not the vet or pet store where the chip was implanted or where your pet was adopted. Make sure your contact information is current.

TALK TO YOUR VET: While you may have missed the perfect window to discuss your dog’s fireworks anxiety, give your vet a call. They may be able to prescribe some antianxiety meds for your dog. There are also non-prescription calming treats available at pet stores and pet boutiques. Consider a ThunderShirt or other antianxiety jackets (they’re made for cats, too) that apply gentle, constant pressure similar to swaddling an infant, the makers say.

KEEP THEM INSIDE: Find a safe, comfortable space in your home away from windows and doors. Play the TV, white noise or music to distract. Pet calming music is available on YouTube. Change up your pooch’s regular feeding time and feed them when the boom-booms start.

POTTY BREAKS: Walk your dog early in the morning before the neighborhood pyrotechnics start later in the day. When going outside, double-leash them with a harness, even in your fenced-in yard. Do not leave pets unattended.

DO A SECURITY CHECK: Is your yard securely fenced? Walk around your fence and check for gaps or holes where a terrified dog could escape through. Inspect gates to make sure that locks are in good working order.

If you already know your dog is frightened by loud noises, whatever you do, DON’T take them to the community fireworks display. Make sure someone can stay behind with it. If you can’t leave your dog unattended, make sure your pooch is under your control at all times.

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