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My dog is scared and shaking after fireworks. How can I help?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Manchester Terrier(Toy) | Female | spayed

I have a dog who is acting out of her normal since the fireworks last night.she wont eat,drink, and she is still shaking.she has slept all day.

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on July 5th, 2016

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.

7Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Poor Bella! Fireworks can be very hard on some dogs. It may take her a few days to relax and calm down now that the noise has stopped. You can help her by keeping to your daily routine as much as possible, and you can also offer special treats like chicken and rice for dinner instead of her regular food to encourage her to eat. Calming supplements like Zylkene or Composure Pro may also help - these can be purchased at many pet stores or ordered online without a prescription. If you are not seeing improvement within the next 2-3 days, I would recommend talking to your vet - if needed, he/she can prescribe some stronger anti-anxiety medication to help her relax.
4Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
I suggest you give her some more time, until tomorrow, to calm down. You may want to leash walk your dog a little bit, so that she notices that there is no more fire crackers. If she is still very upset tomorrow, then take her to a veterinarian, who can prescribe a medication such as Valium which should take the anxiety, at the same time examine her and rule out other problems that may cause her to behave like that.
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on October 31st, 2017
Poor Princess, if the calming tablets are not working I would go back to your vet and explain the seriousness of the situation. They can check her heart and weigh her, then if they are happy they may be able to prescribe acp or diazepam which should help.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on August 14th, 2017
Poor Suzie! Fireworks and loud noises can be really scary for dogs. One important thing to do to when she acts scared is not to reassure her. 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 her a thundershirt to wear when there are fireworks or loud noises. These have been reported to help dogs with anxiety. You can get them off the internet.
Inside the house, you can put her in a dark quiet room by herself 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. If these techniques do not work with Suzie, then take her into the vet to discuss the use of anti-anxiety drugs.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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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.

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Why is my dog shaking and hiding? Is it anxiety, fear, or pain?

Usually, this means that your dog is anxious or frightened of something - many dogs shake or tremble during thunderstorms or when neighbors are using fireworks outside. It could also mean that Bella is in pain for some reason - she may have injured herself somehow, or she could have a problem like a slipped disc in her back causing her to be painful. If the [shaking](https://www.petcoach.co/article/why-is-my-dog-shaking-most-common-reasons/) and hiding does not resolve over the next few hours, or if she has any other symptoms such as vomiting, not eating, or lethargy, I would recommend having her examined by your veterinarian to diagnose and treat the underlying cause.

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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.

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My dog is nipping and growling after fireworks. How can I help?

I would recommend anti-anxiety supplements and calming supplements such as those recommended below. If there is no improvement, you may need to seek behavioral training or see a veterinarian about anti-anxiety prescription drugs. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any further questions / concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further. 1. Adaptil calming collar and diffuser 2. NaturVet Quiet Moments calm chews with melatonin

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My dog cries all night after fireworks. Is it anxiety from moving?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Dogs do take time to adjust and this may be something that she just needs some more time to get used to her new surroundings. You are doing everything right. Having all her usual things (bed, toys, etc) is a great idea. Remember that everything around her is new. I would give her another month or so before worrying too much. She will demand more attention in this transition period which is normal and expected. Good luck!

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

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!

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

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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