Help scaredy cats (and dogs) cope with fireworks

While fireworks dazzle and delight people, they frighten many pets.

Conditioning a cat or dog to cope with the loud booms and smell of fireworks can take months. However, experts say there are some things you can do to help your pet through this year's festivities.

Cesar Millan, dog trainer and host of the National Geographic Channel's "Dog Whisperer" show, plays recordings of fireworks at a low volume during an activity that the dog enjoys, such as eating or playing. Over time, louder sounds are introduced.

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. This type of training can take time.

Another option is to take the pet for a checkup and ask the vet about sedatives.

Millan prefers using exercise over sedatives. "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."

If a dog panics on the holiday, forget the fireworks and concentrate on the dog, Millan said. If you're outside, keep the dog calm by staying calm yourself.

Stay in control and get the dog indoors quickly, Reid said. If you drove, get into your car and sit with the dog. "Mask the noise. Turn on the air conditioning or the radio," Reid said.

If you're indoors when the dog panics, Reid 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.

Millan suggests doing an activity the pet will enjoy.

"Anything that can involve relaxation and fun, because that's what you want the dog to learn," Millan said. "Relax and have fun on the Fourth."