Easing Fireworks Fears

Fireworks on the 4th of July are fun for all ages, but they can be stressful for our pets.

For many pets, the Fourth of July is not a celebration—it’s a source of intense anxiety. Fireworks can trigger panic in even the calmest of dogs or cats, and every year veterinarians see a spike in calls from concerned pet owners. At Two Rivers Veterinary Hospital, we want to help you plan ahead so your pet can stay calm and safe during the holiday.

For patients with noise phobias or general anxiety, we often recommend trazodone, a gentle sedative that helps ease fear and agitation. It works best when administered proactively—usually every 12 hours, beginning two days before fireworks are expected. Starting early helps maintain a steady level of calm and prevents your pet from reaching a point of panic before the medication has a chance to take effect.

Every pet responds to medication a little differently, which is why we strongly recommend doing a trial dose before the holiday. This gives you time to observe your pet’s response and lets us know whether an additional medication might be needed to create a safe and effective sedation “cocktail.” In some cases, we’ll explore alternative medications altogether.

We know how heartbreaking it is to watch your pet shake, pace, hide, or even hurt themselves due to fear. That’s why we’re here to guide you—before the booms begin.

If you think your pet could benefit from anti-anxiety medication this Fourth of July, please contact us early to schedule a consultation. We’ll work together to make this summer safer and more peaceful for your whole family.