Training can reduce dog's stress

The dog is conditioned when it stops exhibiting signs of anxiety — panting, drooling, pacing — and it's comfortable when the recording can be played loudly, said Pam Reid, who works with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to educate pet owners and professionals.

However, if your dog hasn't been trained, there are things you can do. If you're indoors when the dog panics, Pam Reid, who works with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, suggests giving it a hollow chew toy filled with Cheese Whiz or peanut butter. "Some dogs are OK as long as they have something to lick or chew," she said, likening the effect to a baby's sedation from pacifiers.

Milan also said scared pets — not animals that already have been traumatized by fireworks — can be calmed with pheromone-mimicking scents. These products release smells similar to the ones naturally produced that signal comfort or relaxation.

They include Dog Appeasing Pheromone, for canines, and Feliway for cats.

"Medicine is great, but if you can do it without it — you can do it with good exercise," Milan said. "Normally you walk a dog for 20 minutes but on Fourth of July, you walk an hour and a half, and you drain the energy so your dog is more tired. That is just like a sedative. But it is a more natural sedative, no side effects."

On past Fourths, Milan said he Rollerblades with his pack of more than 20 dogs, or takes them backpacking in the mountains near his Los Angeles dog training center. He suggests doing an activity the pet will enjoy: let the dog have its day.

"Anything that can involve relaxation and fun, because that's what you want the dog to learn," Milan said. "Relax and have fun on the Fourth of July. That's what people do, right? They relax and they have fun."