Q:Last week our pets surprised us during the Fourth of July fireworks in our neighborhood. It was louder than usual, so our pets, three dogs and one cat, all found places to hide. What can we do in the future to make them comfortable during this time of the year? Should we use sedatives?

A: It's impressive, no doubt, seeing your pets scurry under the beds and scurry into the bathtub or closet. It makes you wonder whether medication for this high anxiety might not be a reasonable consideration.

Horrible as the firework noises may be, medication may not be the best antidote.

If your pets suffer only a day or two's angst, evidenced by quiet in-your-lap or under-the-bed shivering, sedation is perhaps not the best idea.

If, however, they display serious anxiety in destructive behavior, particularly if it's self-destructive and a threat to your pet's health, sedation is usually in order.

What's important is the pet's level of ''noise phobia,'' as this condition is termed. If thunderstorms wreak havoc with your pet's comfort and safety, season-long anti-anxiety medication may be in order, along with occasional sedation and behavior modification therapy.

A pet's age and health status should always be considered before undertaking any medication to alleviate anxiety. Some pets may not be candidates for the more common anxiety-easing drugs (especially if they're seizure-prone or have liver, kidney or heart abnormalities).

For this reason, a detailed consultation with your veterinarian or with a veterinary behavior specialist is required.

And please note: staying home to give treats, hugs and turn the TV's volume sky-high is sometimes the best medicine.

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