Written by: Dr. Ethan Romas-Hill BVSc. BVBiol

Anxiety in dogs, especially during events like fireworks and storms, is a common concern that can significantly impact your dog’s well-being. When working as a small animal primary care vet I often encountered pet owners seeking effective strategies to help their dogs cope with these stressors.

While medications can provide immediate relief and are sometimes the best or final option for some individuals, they can come with potential side effects, and difficulty and confusion surrounding their ongoing management. For me, I firmly believe that whether or not medications are good or bad is not the question, it is how we take the most holistic approach to managing situational anxiety in dogs that is the best for their health, and the best compatibility of them within a happy household.

The Impact of Fireworks, Storms, and Noise Anxiety

Loud noises such as fireworks and thunderstorms can trigger intense fear in dogs, leading to behaviours like:

• Trembling or shaking

• Hiding or seeking comfort

• Excessive barking or howling

• Destructive chewing or digging

• Loss of bladder or bowel control

• Refusal to eat or drink

Contrary to popular belief, a dog’s fearfulness doesn’t always stem from past negative experiences. In many cases, it’s simply the result of genetics or the "luck of the draw" and doesn’t reflect on your abilities as an owner.

These reactions stem from a dog's natural fight-or-flight response. Without proper intervention, the experience on top of the genetic predisposition can summate and you can end up with serious problems that are difficult to manage. Therefore the key here is to recognise where there is potential already within your dog to be anxious, even in the absence of an existing negative experience, and ‘reprogram’ your pet to have a different physiological response. This is done through making sure that the experience is memorable, and generalisable, but for the right reasons, rather than the wrong ones. 

Medications for Anxiety: Benefits and Side Effects

Let's face the conversation about medications head on. Medications do often play a key role in the management of severe anxiety in many cases, here are the principles behind how the top 5 most commonly prescribed anxiety medications.

1. Trazodone

• What it does: Trazodone is a serotonin receptor antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI) that helps manage both acute and chronic anxiety.

• Benefits: Effective for calming dogs during stressful events like vet visits, travel, or thunderstorms. It also does not need to build up in the body like classic antianxiety medications like Prozac which is commonly prescribed for long term general anxiety.

• Side effects: Drowsiness, gastrointestinal upset, and in rare cases, paradoxical agitation. Overdose can lead to dangerously low blood pressure or serotonin syndrome, which is potentially life-threatening. Dosing therefore should be under the supervision of your regular vet. Trazodone is also an off-label medication. This means that it has to be compounded for your pet, and therefore supply can be an issue. 

2. Gabapentin (Neurontin)

• What it does: Originally developed for pain management, gabapentin also has calming effects on the nervous system. The way that this works can be thought of as almost a microdose of general anaesthetic, working on the same receptors to allow for the nervous system to be calmed.

• Benefits: Useful for dogs with anxiety and concurrent pain, such as arthritis or post-surgical discomfort.

• Side effects: Sedation, incoordination (ataxia), and gastrointestinal upset. Long-term use may lead to tolerance, requiring higher doses for the same effect, and sudden withdrawal can cause rebound anxiety or seizures. Gabapentin is an exceedingly safe medication, and overdose is very unlikely making it generally the drug of choice in these situations. 

3. Acepromazine (A.C.P 10)

• What it does: A tranquilizer that sedates dogs by blocking adrenaline receptors.

• Benefits: Reduces visible anxiety symptoms during acute events like fireworks or car rides. Also has an anti-emetic (anti vomit) function which makes it a reasonable choice for car sickness.

• Side effects: There is debate on how Acepromazine (A.C.P) works in dogs; particularly surrounding whether it decreases anxiety or not. Some believe that Acepromazine does not address anxiety itself—it merely immobilizes the dog, leaving them mentally aware but unable to react. This can exacerbate fear in some cases. It can also lower blood pressure, reduce the ability to regulate body temperature, and increase sensitivity to noise. The other consideration here is that while it does work well for many dogs, it is displaced by adrenaline since it works on the same receptor, and also builds up in the body over time. You therefore need to give it well in anticipation of the stressor. If you require repeat dosing, unlike many medications which the body decreases sensitivity to, Acepromazine builds up in the body and therefore repeat dosage needs to be carefully considered to prevent unexpected overdose. 

4. Clonidine (Catapres)

• What it does: An alpha-2 adrenergic agonist that reduces the release of norepinephrine, dampening the body's stress response.

• Benefits: Helpful for dogs with situational anxiety, particularly when combined with other treatments.

• Side effects: Sedation, low blood pressure, dry mouth, and gastrointestinal upset. Overdose can cause bradycardia (slow heart rate) and respiratory depression.

• This is a less commonly used medication, and is also off label. This medication is primarily used in human medicine to decrease blood pressure, and this should be kept in mind whenever it is used in dogs.

5. Dexmedetomidine oromucosal gel (Sileo)

• What it does: A fast-acting gel applied to the gums to reduce noise-related anxiety by targeting alpha 2 receptors. This is a true low dose sedative.

• Benefits: Specifically approved for noise phobias like fireworks, with a quick onset of action.

• Side effects: Mild sedation and gastrointestinal upset. In rare cases, it can cause bradycardia or hypotension. Improper dosing can lead to excessive sedation or severe cardiovascular effects.

One key consideration across all of these medications is they all can interfere with your dog's memory. This makes learning difficult through their effects, and so they are often a bandaid solution. If they are used without the correct pairing of holistic therapeutics you will find yourself in a repeated cycle of medicating your dog with low chances of the issue resolving. 

Let's take a break and look at examples of the power that microbes have over our actions. Have you heard of the ‘Mind Controlling’ Cat parasite that infects humans?

Think of the trillions of microbes in your gut as unseen puppeteers, quietly influencing behaviour and mood. This might sound far-fetched, but consider the story of Toxoplasma gondii, a protozoan parasite that’s mastered the art of mind manipulation. When it infects mice, it uses its adaptation of ‘mind control’ to encourage risky behaviour that gets them eaten by cats, Toxoplasma’s target host, in order to continue their life cycle. Even humans infected with this parasite show increased risk-taking behaviour, like being more likely to become schizophrenic or even exhibit ‘road rage’ (Desmettre T. (2020): Toxoplasmosis and behavioural changes. 

Microbes can be astonishingly powerful, shaping behaviour without the host even realising it.

Now, bring that concept closer to home with the gut-brain axis—the intricate connection between the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the brain. Your dog’s gut is home to trillions of microbes working to maintain balance. These microbes produce up to 90% of the body’s serotonin, a key chemical for regulating mood. When the gut is healthy, the signals between gut and brain keep stress levels in check. But when the gut is out of balance, those signals can go awry, potentially leading to heightened anxiety or mood changes.

The story of Toxoplasma shows how microorganisms can influence behaviour, often in surprising ways. In the same vein, nurturing your dog’s gut microbiome isn’t just about digestion—it’s about ensuring the gut-brain communication stays on track, supporting their mood, resilience, and overall well-being. Microbes may be small, but their impact is enormous!

Natural Ingredients Supporting Calm Behaviour

Natural supplements can complement gut health efforts by promoting calmness without sedation. These options allow dogs to remain alert and able to learn during training or exposure therapy. Notably, Stress Chews from Poseidon Animal Health contain:

• Valerian Root: Known for its mild sedative effects, valerian helps reduce tension without completely "zoning out" your dog.

• Tilia Cordata (Linden Flower): Traditionally used for its calming properties, it aids in reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.

• BioK9 Postbiotic Blend: A unique combination of prebiotics, paraprobiotics, and postbiotics that support gut health, thereby influencing mood and stress responses.

Training and Behaviour Modification: The Essential Missing Piece

While addressing the gut-brain axis and using natural remedies can provide a strong foundation for managing anxiety in dogs, these efforts are most effective when combined with targeted training and behavioural modification techniques. A professional dog trainer or veterinary behaviourist can be an invaluable resource in creating a tailored plan that addresses your dog’s specific needs. This often involves desensitisation and counterconditioning, evidence-based strategies proven to help dogs overcome their fears and anxieties.

What Is Desensitisation?

Desensitisation involves exposing your dog to a stressor (e.g., loud noises, strangers, or car rides) at a very low intensity, gradually increasing exposure as your dog becomes more comfortable. By starting at levels that don’t overwhelm your dog, you build their confidence and reduce their fear response over time.

What Is Counterconditioning?

Counterconditioning pairs exposure to a stressor with something positive, such as treats, toys, or praise. The goal is to help your dog associate the once-scary trigger with something they enjoy, effectively "rewiring" their emotional response to it.

Putting It into Practice

Here’s an example of a practical plan for a common anxiety trigger, such as fireworks or thunder:

1. Start with Low-Intensity Exposure
   Play a recording of fireworks or thunder at a very low volume that doesn’t cause your dog to react negatively. This step is critical to avoid overwhelming them.

2. Pair the Exposure with Rewards
   During this exposure, give your dog a high-value reward, such as their favourite treats or engaging playtime. This helps create a positive association with the sound.

3. Increase Intensity Gradually
   As your dog becomes more comfortable, slowly increase the volume over days or weeks. The key is to progress only when your dog consistently remains calm at the current level.

4. Reinforce Calm Behaviour
   Always reward calmness and relaxed body language. If your dog shows signs of stress, go back to the previous intensity level and give them time to adjust.

5. Expand to Real-Life Scenarios
   Once your dog is comfortable with recordings, start practising during real-life events. Ensure a safe, controlled environment and have rewards ready to maintain positive associations.

Why This Matters

By addressing both the physiological contributors to anxiety (through gut health and natural remedies) and the behavioural response, you provide a comprehensive strategy to help your dog feel more secure and confident. With patience and consistency, this dual approach can lead to significant improvements in your dog’s quality of life.

Building Long-Term Emotional Resilience

Managing anxiety in dogs often requires a combination of short-term solutions, like medications, and long-term strategies that address underlying causes, such as gut health and behavioural modification. This holistic approach not only provides immediate relief during acute situations but also fosters lasting changes that improve your dog’s overall well-being.

The Role of Medications

In high-stress scenarios—like thunderstorms, fireworks, or vet visits—medications prescribed by your vet can be invaluable. They act quickly to reduce anxiety and prevent overwhelming fear responses. However, they’re not designed for ongoing use or to address the root causes of anxiety.

The Long-Term Impact of Gut Health

A healthy gut is foundational for emotional resilience. The gut-brain axis, with its intricate communication network, supports mood regulation and stress management by producing key neurotransmitters like serotonin. By improving gut health through targeted nutrition, probiotics, and natural calming ingredients, you empower your dog with the tools to handle stress more effectively.

Balancing Both Approaches

While medications can help your dog feel calmer in the moment, addressing gut health and incorporating behaviour modification techniques create a long-term transformation. Think of it like building a toolkit for your dog:

• Medications provide the immediate support they need to navigate acute challenges.

• Gut health gives them the resilience to face life’s stressors with confidence.

• Behaviour modification rewires their responses to triggers, helping them feel safe and secure.

The Goal: Thriving, Not Just Surviving

A balanced gut isn’t just about avoiding fear on fireworks night—it’s about helping your dog thrive in a world that once felt overwhelming. By combining short-term solutions with strategies that promote long-term resilience, you’re not only managing their anxiety—you’re transforming their life.