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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?

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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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!

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    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.

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    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.

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