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My dog is terrified of fireworks. What can I give her for anxiety?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pug | Female | unspayed | 4 years and 4 months old | 22 lbs

I have a female pug. She trembles and palpitates violently when crackers go wild in my neighborhood for a week. We had to sedate her last year. She doesn't eat anything. Can you help?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on October 16th, 2017

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Olive is adorable! There are anti-anxiety medications you can try which your veterinarian can prescribe such as Trazodone. I find this medication very helpful in these cases. Good luck!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner
Published on July 3rd, 2018
There are a number of options to calm pets for fireworks. I am attaching a handout below that discusses some of the options.
https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952947
I always recommend keeping pets indoors, closing curtains and keeping windows closed. Make sure they have a "safe" and quiet place to hide. I have had luck with Rescue Remedy ( http://www.bachflower.com/rescue-remedy-pet/ ) which can be added to the water or given orally in about half of animals with firework phobias. There are a number of companies that make calming treats such as Composure ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetri-science-composure-feline-bite-sized-chews ). You could also consider calming music specifically for cats ( http://throughadogsear.com/tace/through-a-cats-ear-1-music-for-calming/ ). I have not tried the cat version, but the dog version works great for fireworks. If Kovu does not do well with fireworks, you can also discuss anti-anxiety medication with your veterinarian for next year.
Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Britni Miller, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 26th, 2017
Lots of pets have firework anxiety. I recommend contacting your veterinarian for a prescription anti-anxiety medication. You can also get calming products at the pet store (like Feliway) but these often are not enough to relieve their anxiety. A prescription medication is going to be your best option.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Dog scared of fireworks? What safe anxiety meds can my vet recommend?

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