Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog is terrified of fireworks and won't pee. How long can she hold it?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Australian Shepherd | Female | spayed | 44 lbs

My dog is terrified of the fireworks and won't urinate. She can't even focus on urination. It has been about 12 hours and since it's the evening, the fireworks began again so she is refusing to go outside. If she doesn't pee tonight, can she get sick? How long can she go without peeing? Will she go when she really needs to or will she keep holding it? Thanks for the info.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on January 1st, 2017

Poor Azul! Fireworks can be so scary for dogs. She will pee when she really needs to, and it will be ok if she doesn't pee tonight. I would take her outside first thing in the morning, or later tonight once the fireworks have finished. I will give you a few tips to help with her deal with this fear as well. One important thing to do to when Azul acts scared is not to reassure her. We think we are comforting her when we do that, but it's actually reinforcing the behavior and telling her it's ok to be scared. I recommend getting her a thundershirt to wear when there are fireworks or loud noises. These have been reported to help dogs with anxiety. At home, you can put her in a dark quiet room by himself to self-soothe. You can also turn on the TV or music to block out the sound. Finally, you can consider get a pheromone diffuser called DAP that helps dogs with anxiety.
Vote Icon5Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 3rd, 2018

    I'm so sorry that Chester had a rough day yesterday. Most dogs can withhold urine for up to 18 hours if they are determined enough. This is not ideal and can increase the risk of urinary tract infections and even potential damage to the ability of the bladder to contract and fully empty. However, both of those issues are problems we would only worry about if this was an ongoing issue for many days; as apposed to just holding it that long once or twice.

    I hope that helps you! Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on July 6th, 2020

    It sounds like your pup was very scared of the fireworks, which is causing her to urinate on the floor. Since the 4th has passed, she may start to calm down on her own over time, however if it's been several days and she is refusing to eat at all or move at all, a visit to your vet ASAP is best to rule out any health issues.

    When fireworks are happening, making sure to take her out before/after the fireworks, and providing a place she can hide during them such as in a dark bathroom with soothing music playing to drown out the noise can help. Your vet can also provide you with anxiety meds that can help during high stress times such as this.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Health & Wellness
My dog won't pee inside during Diwali fireworks. What can I do?
Unfortunately you cannot force a dog to pee inside. Most dogs that are very well house trained will not pee inside unless it is has been more than 24 hours. Just leave her alone and keep her in one room in the house, very dark, and if you can, play some soft music loudly to drown out the outside sounds. This may help make her calmer. Do not worry about the urination. She will pee when her bladder gets full enough.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My dog is scared and shaking after fireworks. How can I help?
Poor Bella! She was probably really frightened by the fireworks. She is probably still anxious that there will be more of those loud sounds. I would monitor her for now. She hopefully should return to her normal self in a day or two. I'd let her sleep, as she probably didn't get much sleep last night. In the meantime, you can get a pheromone diffuser called DAP that helps dogs with anxiety. If she isn't back to her normal self in a day or two, I'd take her into your vet for a health exam.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Dog won't pee indoors during emergency. Can I express her bladder?
Oh dear, I imagine this is making an already stressful and difficult situation even more challenging. Instead of papers, you could also try using an old towel on the floor to try to encourage Arya to urinate. If she is still resistant, consider having one of your other dogs urinate on the towel first, hoping that Arya will then try to "mark" over the other dog's urine on the towel. If this does not work, you can use firm (but not hard) steady pressure over the rear half of her abdomen to attempt to express (empty) her bladder. Once you start feeling her abdomen, the bladder may feel a bit like a water balloon. Try to use either one hand on either side of her abdomen, or at least several fingers on either side to provide maximal compression with this firm steady pressure. This can be difficult to do, even for those of use with years of training. I hope this helps! Please stay safe and feel free to post any additional pet questions you have and we will do our best to help you as much as possible!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
How can I help my dog who is terrified of fireworks and loud noises?
Poor Diesel! Fireworks and loud noises can be really scary for dogs. One important thing to do to when your dog acts scared is not to reassure him. We think we are comforting him when we do that, but it's actually reinforcing the behavior and telling him it's ok to be scared. I recommend getting him a thundershirt to wear when there are fireworks or loud noises. These have been reported to help dogs with anxiety. At home, you can put him in a dark quiet room by himself to self-soothe. You can also turn on the TV or music to block out the sound. Finally, you can consider get a pheromone diffuser called DAP that helps dogs with anxiety.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
New Pet
My rescue dog is fearful, won't pee, and is afraid to go outside.
Poor Lillian. Make every effort to get her outside to potty. Also work on making her more comfortable. It's a big change for her. Once she is comfortable in the house, you can begin trying to get her comfortable outside. It's possible something has scared her in the past and now she has developed a negative association. You may try to counteract this by creating a positive association. Begin by having a high value treat or toy. Start playing/a training session inside the house by the door way. Do this for a few days. Once Lillian seems comfortable playing by the door way, toss the toy or treat outside and allow her to retrieve it and come back inside. Do this until Lillian is comfortable. Then move outside by the doorway way. Gradually move further and further away from the door way. Then begin gradually decreasing the play time and just hanging outside with her. Try not to leave her outside unattended until she seems comfortable. I hope this helps.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Training & Behavior
My dog is terrified after fireworks. Why won't she jump or use stairs?
It may be instinctive to try comforting her, but that is counterproductive. Just go on as usual, giving her the impression that there is nothing to fear. You could try putting a treat on each stair (before her daily meal, so she is hungry). Each time she goes up a step to get the treat, praise her a bit. You can do the same with the settee. She may need some time to get over this trauma, so be patient with her. If you need additional help, just click on the prompt to initiate a consult.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Training & Behavior
My dog is traumatized by fireworks and won't go out. What to do?
Slowly reacclimate him to going outside again. Use treats as rewards and bribes. If he is a small dog, carry him outside for ever increasing periods of time. Calming pheromone collars or sprays may be effective. Compression shirts such as the ThunderShirt may help as well.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Related Searches

Dog FoodDog SuppliesDog ToysDog Incontinence & Bladder Control MedicineDog Potty Training & CleanupDog Health & WellnessDog Anxiety MedicationDiuretics for DogsUTI & Kidney Supplements for DogsDog Anxiety VestsDog Calming Aids and SupplementsCleaning & Potty SuppliesCat Potty TrainingDog Potty PadsDog Training & Behavior SuppliesCalming Sprays & Diffusers for DogsCat Urinary CareCalming Chews, Treats & Supplements for DogsDog Outdoor & Travel GearCat Urinary Tract & Kidney Medication
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Share

Styled arrow button