The safest answer is a veterinarian-approved anti-anxiety medication, not a human medicine. For mild anxiety, use a quiet safe room, white noise and high-value treats. For moderate or severe fear, call your veterinarian before the fireworks. Prescription medication usually works best when given before panic begins.
As of September 20, 2026, U.S. FDA-approved options for canine noise aversion include Sileo (dexmedetomidine oromucosal gel) and Pexion (imepitoin tablets). The FDA also approved Tessie (tasipimidine oral solution) on May 6, 2026, for noise aversion and separation anxiety in dogs. Your veterinarian must choose the medication based on your dog's age, weight, heart health, other conditions and current medications.
What Can I Give My Dog Tonight?
Give your dog only medication that your veterinarian prescribed or specifically approved. For mild anxiety, environmental changes and food-based enrichment may be enough.
| Option | Suitable for | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary prescription medication | Moderate or severe fireworks fear | Ask your veterinarian for the correct medication and dose |
| High-value treats or a stuffed food toy | Mild anxiety, if your dog will eat | Offer them before the fireworks become intense |
| Dog pheromone diffuser or calming supplement | Mild anxiety as an add-on | Effects vary, and evidence for supplements is limited |
| Human medication | Not a safe default | Do not give it unless your veterinarian specifically instructs you to do so |
Prescription medications used for predictable noise phobias can include dexmedetomidine, tasipimidine, imepitoin, trazodone, clonidine, gabapentin and alprazolam. These medications are not interchangeable. Some can cause excessive sedation, impaired coordination, vomiting or agitation. Never use a dose prescribed for another dog.
Which Prescription Medications Are Used for Fireworks Anxiety?
Veterinarians may prescribe an FDA-approved noise-aversion medication or another drug based on your dog's health and the severity of the fear.
Sileo
Sileo is an FDA-approved dexmedetomidine gel for noise aversion in dogs. You place the gel between your dog's cheek and gum rather than giving it by mouth to swallow. The FDA label says the first dose is generally given 30 to 60 minutes before the expected noise or when early anxiety signs appear.
Use the dosing syringe exactly as directed. Incorrect syringe operation has caused accidental overdoses.
Tessie
Tessie contains tasipimidine and is FDA-approved for noise aversion and separation anxiety in dogs. The FDA says it is usually given about one hour before the fireworks. Do not give it with food because food can delay absorption.
Tessie may be given up to three times in 24 hours, with at least three hours between doses. Vomiting and lethargy were among the commonly reported adverse reactions in clinical testing.
Pexion
Pexion contains imepitoin and is labeled for noise aversion in dogs. Treatment begins two days before the anticipated noise event and continues through the event. It is therefore a medication that requires planning, rather than a last-minute option after fireworks have started.
A veterinarian may prescribe another medication, such as trazodone, gabapentin, clonidine or alprazolam. The right choice depends on your dog's medical history and reaction to fireworks.
What Can I Do Without Medication?
Set up a quiet, familiar area before the fireworks begin.
- Move your dog to an interior room with few or no windows.
- Close the windows, curtains and doors.
- Play steady music, television, a fan or white noise to reduce the contrast of the explosions.
- Leave out a familiar bed, blanket and favorite toy.
- Offer a stuffed food toy or high-value treats if your dog is willing to eat.
- Stay calm and let your dog hide or sit near you. Do not punish barking, pacing or attempts to hide.
- Keep your dog indoors. Use a leash for bathroom trips, even in a fenced yard.
A snug anxiety shirt may help some dogs. It should not be tight or hot, and you should not use it for the first time during an intense panic episode. Safe spaces work best when your dog has already used them positively before fireworks occur.
Can I Give My Dog Benadryl, Melatonin or CBD?
Do not give Benadryl, melatonin, CBD or another supplement for fireworks anxiety without veterinary advice. Some supplements may help certain dogs, but evidence and product quality vary. They can also interact with prescription medicines.
Human products may contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Antihistamine overdoses can cause vomiting, an abnormal heart rate, agitation, tremors, seizures and other serious signs.
Do not give alcohol, sleeping pills, leftover sedatives or another pet's medication. Sedation may make a dog less active without reducing fear, and some drugs can increase anxiety or agitation.
When Should I Contact an Emergency Veterinarian?
Contact an emergency veterinarian if your dog:
- Tries to break through doors or windows
- Injures itself while escaping
- Has trouble breathing, collapses or has a seizure
- Vomits repeatedly or becomes extremely weak
- Swallows fireworks, medication or an unknown product
Fireworks can cause panic-related injuries and poisoning if your dog ingests something dangerous. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian or animal poison-control professional tells you to do so.
For future fireworks, contact your veterinarian several days or weeks beforehand. Ask whether your dog needs a situational prescription, a trial dose before the event or a longer-term desensitization plan using very quiet firework recordings paired with food. Never force a frightened dog to remain near loud fireworks.
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