Ask A Vet:Noise from fireworks, storms scares dog

My cocker spaniel is 5 years old and is terrified of thunderstorms and fireworks. He pants and drools and either runs through the house frantically or hides in the bathroom. What can we do to help him?

It's definitely that time of year when our noise and storm-phobic dogs panic and we feel so helpless trying to assure them everything is going to be all right. If you try to soothe your dog when he is in panic mode, you are actually giving positive reinforcement for the unwanted behavior.

There are many ways to try to help your dog cope with these situations. Behavioral modification techniques have you gradually expose your...