Fireworks anxiety in dogs

Fireworks anxiety in dogs is an intense fear reaction to the sudden bangs, flashes and vibrations of fireworks, and one of the most common noise phobias in dogs.

Affected dogs may tremble, pant, drool, pace, hide, cling to their owners, refuse food, bark, destroy doors or crates or try to bolt, and many go missing around holidays as a result. The fear often generalizes to thunder, gunshots and other sudden sounds and tends to worsen each year without intervention. Herding breeds and dogs with painful conditions appear more susceptible.

A veterinarian assesses the severity through history and video, rules out pain and may refer to a behaviorist for a desensitization and counterconditioning program, alongside a safe den, sound masking and, when indicated, prescription event medication. A controlled study of cannabidiol in dogs exposed to fireworks sounds did not show a clear reduction in anxiety, so the evidence is mixed at best.