The same thing that sets the guys to snoozing after Thanksgiving dinner might get the family dog through the Fourth of July.

A 4-pound hyper toy poodle and a 90-pound laid back golden retriever can have the same reaction to the whiz and bang of firecrackers - total, abject panic.

It may have its humorous aspect to see the big male family protector cowering under the bed when the neighborhood kids set off a string of Black Cats. But from the dog's perspective, there's nothing funny about feeling so much fear. It also can be dangerous to the dog, or to humans.

Hazen veterinarian Dawn Kaiser said there are ways to help dogs get through this explosive holiday.

Her tips range from where to keep the dog inside, to giving it tablets of L-trytophan, the same sedative found in turkey that forces eyes to close during the post-meal football game.

Kaiser said to help pets, first and foremost, don't take them to the community fireworks show. That could be asking for trouble, even with a "good" dog. When dogs are startled, or feel vulnerable, they may bite in response.

Dogs that already pant, pace, dig, hide, or otherwise display panic at fireworks or thunderstorms, can be put into an inside room. There, music or television mute the fireworks to a background noise level.

Dogs' range of hearing and their sensitivity to reverberations, or air pressure changes, may all contribute to the fairly common reaction, often the same as to a thunderstorm.

She said panicked dogs have been known to jump through plate glass windows and doors, or run headlong onto streets or highways.

Dogs that are exceptionally panicky may get relief from tranquilizers, either the "human" kind, or something prescribed by a veterinarian.

Before giving the family pooch some of Grandma's Valium, though, she recommends checking with the vet.

Not only may Grandma need it herself, but not all dogs react safely to Valium, or other sedation products, like Benadryl, or Dramamine.

She recommends that people who already know their dogs have a history of panic and fear check with their vets for helping aids and ideas.

After all, everyone - even faithful Fido - deserves to have a blast on the Fourth of July.