Scared of Thunder

If your dog is like many, the Fourth of July is pure torture and summer thunderstorms make your dog pant harder than after a 2 hour mountain bike ride. One approach is to desensitize your pet to the sounds of thunder. Buy a cd of storms and play it softly. You might try pairing the noise with a treat or favorite toy. Gradually increase the volume over time. If this doesn't help and your dog is so petrified that the house is being torn apart or your dog is harming himself, contact a vet.