May the Fourth always reminds me that there are only two months before the Fourth of July. Now is the time to start planning and preparing your pets for fireworks.

If your dog or cat is not particularly sound sensitive, the counter conditioning shown in this video may help prepare your pet for the popping sound of fireworks. When your dog or cat has that “Yay, popping sound!” response and expects food because the popping has started, you’ve given your pet a positive Pavlovian association with popping sounds.

However, if your dog or cat has noise phobia or panics with sound, this video’s exercise alone isn’t enough. Seek personalized professional help for your pet’s noise phobia. I highly recommend reaching out to your veterinarian and trainer now - don’t wait until July!