For years, our German Shepherd Roxy dreaded fireworks season. Thunderstorms, smoke alarms, and unexpected booms could send her searching for a safe place to hide. The problem was, there was no escaping the noise.
Like many pet parents, we tried turning up the television, closing windows, and creating a calm environment whenever fireworks started.
Over time, we learned that helping an anxious dog often requires a combination of preparation, patience, environmental management, and sometimes CBD as part of a broader support plan.
If your dog becomes fearful around fireworks, you're not alone. Noise anxiety affects many dogs and can range from mild nervousness to severe distress. Understanding why dogs react this way—and what steps you can take before the fireworks begin—may help make the season safer and less stressful for you and your dog.
What looks like a celebration to us can feel very different to our pets.
Dogs hear a much wider range of frequencies than humans and can be significantly more sensitive to loud, sudden noises. Fireworks combine several things that many dogs find unsettling:
According to veterinarian Dr. Tim Shu, pets do not understand that fireworks are part of a celebration. To them, the noises may seem random, alarming, and potentially threatening. Dogs and cats often react because they cannot predict when the next boom will occur, creating heightened anxiety and stress. Their hearing is also far more sensitive than ours, which can make loud fireworks seem even more intense and overwhelming.
For some dogs, fireworks are merely annoying. For others, they can trigger significant fear responses that include trembling, hiding, barking, or attempts to escape.
For a deeper understanding of how cannabinoids interact with the body, see 3 and 4.
Every dog responds differently to stress, but there are several common signs of noise anxiety that pet parents should watch for.
Signs may include:
Some dogs show only mild discomfort, while others may become so frightened that they attempt to flee the home or yard.
Recognizing these signs early can help you intervene before anxiety escalates.
One of the most overlooked risks associated with fireworks is the number of pets that become lost.
Dr. Tim Shu notes that July 5 is one of the busiest times of the year for animal shelters because frightened animals frequently run away during fireworks celebrations. When a dog is frightened, instinct often takes over. They may jump fences, squeeze through gates, or bolt through open doors in an attempt to escape the noise.
I witnessed this firsthand.
Photo Credit: Maria Calabrese, Founder Green Bee LifeOriginal flyer created after MJ was found on July 5, 2018. Despite extensive efforts to locate her owner, no one came forward to claim her. MJ eventually became a beloved member of our family.
On July 5, 2018, while driving with Roxy, I encountered a frightened dog running loose in the street. The dog appeared exhausted and disoriented. Despite efforts to locate the owner through emergency veterinary services, neighborhood outreach, and online postings, no owner was ever found.
We named her MJ—after the initials of our two previous dogs, Maggie and Juanita, and, admittedly, because we work in cannabis. What began as a frightening fireworks escape eventually became a happy ending. MJ joined our family and fills our lives with love, laughter, and more than a little mischief.
Not every lost-pet story ends this way. Many frightened animals are never reunited with their families or find new homes, which is why preparation before fireworks season is so important.
Experiences like this highlight how quickly a fireworks-related escape can become a heartbreaking situation and why preparation before the holiday matters.
Before fireworks begin:
A few minutes of preparation can help prevent a frightening situation from becoming a tragedy.
Graphic: GBL Creative Team
Many pet parents wonder whether CBD may help support dogs during periods of heightened stress.
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in hemp. Unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating and does not produce a "high." 3 4
Dogs, like humans, possess an endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex regulatory system involved in maintaining balance throughout the body. 7
While research is still evolving, many veterinarians and pet owners have reported positive experiences using CBD products as part of broader wellness routines that support calm behavior and overall quality of life.
It is important to understand that CBD is not a cure for anxiety and should not be viewed as a replacement for veterinary care, behavior modification, or environmental management. Instead, many pet parents view it as one potential tool within a larger support strategy.
For a broader introduction to CBD for pets, see 1.
Research involving cannabinoids and companion animals continues to grow.
Several studies have explored CBD's potential role in supporting canine wellness, stress responses, and overall quality of life. While much of the published research has focused on mobility and osteoarthritis, researchers continue to investigate additional applications.
Veterinary professionals, including Dr. Tim Shu, have observed that many pet owners successfully incorporate CBD into their dogs' routines during stressful periods such as fireworks season. Dr. Shu notes that CBD-based formulations are commonly used by pet owners seeking additional support for dogs experiencing noise-related anxiety.
More research is still needed, but current findings and real-world observations continue to drive interest in this area.
One of the biggest mistakes pet parents make is waiting until fireworks are already underway.
Preparation matters.
If you plan to use a CBD product, consider discussing timing and dosing with your veterinarian before a major holiday or event. Many pet owners find it helpful to establish a routine well before fireworks begin rather than introducing something new during a stressful situation.
Helpful preparation steps may include:
As with any wellness product, individual responses may vary.
CBD is only one piece of the puzzle.
Many dogs benefit from a multi-layered approach that addresses both physical and environmental stressors.
Many of these approaches can be combined to create a customized plan that works best for your individual dog.
For years, firework season was especially difficult for our German Shepherd, Roxy. We used a combination of environmental strategies, including creating a quiet indoor space, closing windows, playing background noise, and using a calming vest during fireworks events.
Later, when we began using CBD as part of her wellness routine to support mobility and age-related comfort, we noticed something unexpected: Roxy seemed less sensitive to fireworks and loud noises. While every dog is different, her experience reinforced the importance of taking a multi-layered approach and finding the combination of strategies that works best for your pet.
Not all pet CBD products are created equal.
When evaluating products, consider:
A Certificate of Analysis can help verify cannabinoid content and screen for contaminants. 5
Consumers may also encounter terms such as full spectrum, broad spectrum, and CBD isolate. Understanding these distinctions can help you make a more informed purchasing decision. 6
For pet-specific guidance, see 2.
If you'd like to hear more from veterinarian Dr. Tim Shu on cannabinoids and pet wellness, visit5:
His discussion covers pet safety, cannabinoid education, and practical considerations for pet parents exploring hemp-derived products.
In this episode of Just Say KNOW with Maria, veterinarian Dr. Tim Shu discusses cannabinoid science, pet safety considerations, and common questions from pet parents exploring hemp-derived products6.
Pet parents seeking personalized guidance can also schedule a complimentary consultation through Dr. Tim Shu's veterinary support team.
Schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr.Shu.
Whether you're navigating fireworks anxiety, mobility concerns, aging-related changes, or general pet wellness questions, Dr. Shu's team can help provide educational guidance and product support based on your pet's individual needs.
Yes. Loud, unpredictable noises are one of the most common triggers of anxiety in dogs.
Ideally several days before a major fireworks event, especially if your dog has a history of noise sensitivity.
Responses vary by individual dog, product, and serving size. Consult your veterinarian regarding appropriate use.
Pet-specific CBD products should always be discussed with your veterinarian, particularly if your dog has underlying health conditions or takes medications.
Bring your dog indoors immediately, ensure identification information is current, and contact local shelters and veterinary clinics if your pet becomes lost.
Fireworks season can be challenging for many dogs and the people who care for them.
The good news is that preparation, environmental management, veterinary guidance, and supportive wellness strategies may help reduce stress and improve comfort during loud noise events.
Whether your dog experiences mild nervousness or significant anxiety, taking proactive steps before the fireworks begin can help create a safer and more positive experience for everyone involved.
Medical & Veterinary Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary medical advice. Always consult your veterinarian regarding your pet's individual health needs.
Editor's Note (2026): This article was originally published in October 2025 and has been updated for June 2026 to reflect the latest veterinary research, product recommendations, and guidance on CBD use for dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia, and mobility challenges. We’ve also incorporated additional insights from veterinarian Dr. Tim Shu, founder of VetCBD, whose work […]
[This post was last updated July 7, 2025. Reviewed for accuracy January 2026] Editor's Note (2026): Questions about cannabis and CBD for pets continue to grow as laws, regulations, and professional guidelines evolve at different paces across states and regulatory bodies. While this article reflects the legal realities many veterinarians face today, pet parents are […]
You’ve heard great things about CBD (cannabidiol) for humans. But could this cannabis compound prove beneficial for pets, too? Suffice it to say, CBD shows more promise than your prodigious dog on the first day of obedience school. As more research comes to light, we’re learning more about how CBD might help animals. Keep reading […]
Editor's Note (2026): This article was originally published in October 2025 and has been updated for June 2026 to reflect the latest veterinary research, product recommendations, and guidance on CBD use for dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia, and mobility challenges. We’ve also incorporated additional insights from veterinarian Dr. Tim Shu, founder of VetCBD, whose work […]
[This post was last updated July 7, 2025. Reviewed for accuracy January 2026] Editor's Note (2026): Questions about cannabis and CBD for pets continue to grow as laws, regulations, and professional guidelines evolve at different paces across states and regulatory bodies. While this article reflects the legal realities many veterinarians face today, pet parents are […]
You’ve heard great things about CBD (cannabidiol) for humans. But could this cannabis compound prove beneficial for pets, too? Suffice it to say, CBD shows more promise than your prodigious dog on the first day of obedience school. As more research comes to light, we’re learning more about how CBD might help animals. Keep reading […]
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