# Calming aids for anxious dogs: what has evidence URL: https://pawtrace.ca/calming-aids-for-anxious-dogs/ Updated: 2026-10-24 The short answer No calming product has been shown to work as the only treatment for a seriously fearful dog. A 2023 review of noise fears found that behaviour training works, that several prescription anxiolytics have good evidence, and that most supplements, herbal products and pheromones are unlikely to be enough alone. A 2024 systematic review found weak and limited evidence for pressure wraps. Health Canada says no veterinary drug containing cannabis, including CBD, is authorized. Plan ahead for Victoria Day and Canada Day, the days Ottawa allows consumer fireworks, and see your vet if fear is severe or new. PawTrace is not a vet. This guide shares what we found in the sources listed below; ask your vet about your own dog. Quick highlights - Giving food or play whenever a loud noise occurs was the only management strategy linked to improvement in the largest owner survey. - A 2024 systematic review found weak and limited evidence for pressure wraps. - Health Canada says no veterinary drug containing cannabis, including CBD, is authorized. - A new noise fear in an older dog can point to pain: book a vet visit first. Photo: [Maximilian Bungart / Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/a-golden-labrador-dog-sleeps-peacefully-on-a-blanket-BgI0zOHKaYk) ### Key takeaways - A 2023 review in Animals, from Vetmeduni Vienna (Austria), calls noise fears the most common behaviour problem in dogs. It cites studies that put the share of affected pet dogs between a quarter and half, with fireworks the most common trigger, followed by thunder and gunshots ([Riemer 2023](https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC10705068)). We found no Canadian figure. - The same review says counterconditioning to real-life noises, relaxation training and desensitisation with noise recordings improve noise fears, and that preventive training appears to be highly effective in puppies and adult dogs. - A systematic review led from the Université de Montréal found sufficient evidence in 1 of 7 dog studies that a dog-appeasing pheromone reduces fear or anxiety, and insufficient evidence in the other 6 ([Frank et al. 2010](https://europepmc.org/article/MED/20550445)). - A 2024 systematic review found 4 eligible studies of pressure wraps among 229 identified, and called the evidence weak and limited ([Mathis et al. 2024](https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC11639916)). - The 2023 review notes that in placebo-controlled veterinary studies, 30 to 50% of owners whose animals received a placebo report improvement. Open-label results for calming products need that context. - Health Canada says there are currently no authorized veterinary drugs containing cannabis, including CBD ([Health Canada, March 7 2025](https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/programs/consultation-towards-pathway-products-containing-cannabidiol/veterinary-drugs-animal-use.html)). - In Ottawa, individuals can set off consumer fireworks only on Victoria Day, Canada Day and the day before and after each ([By-law No. 2003-237](https://ottawa.ca/en/node/1014140)). ### What the research found, by calming aid The table reports what each source found. It names no product or brand, and the evidence comes from peer-reviewed papers and veterinary college sources. | Calming aid | What the research found | Source | Pheromone diffusers, sprays and collars | A systematic review of studies from 1998 to 2008 found sufficient evidence in 1 of 7 dog studies that dog-appeasing pheromone reduces fear or anxiety (during training). The other 6 gave insufficient evidence, including 2 on noise phobia. A laboratory study of 24 beagles exposed to thunder recordings found lower fear scores with a pheromone collar than with a placebo collar. The 2023 review calls the findings inconsistent. | Frank et al. 2010; Landsberg et al. 2015; Riemer 2023 | Pressure wraps | Four studies met the review’s criteria. Most reported minimal benefits on behaviour or heart rate and no adverse side effects. Risk of bias was moderate to high and samples were small. | Mathis et al. 2024 | Calming supplements and herbal products | The 2023 review says most are unlikely to be enough as the only treatment for noise fears. In an owner survey it summarises, the reported effect of the majority of nutraceuticals did not exceed a placebo effect. | Riemer 2023 | Music and white noise | An appraisal of six studies found weak evidence that classical music reduces stress in hospitalised dogs. A kennel study found signs of reduced stress on the first day of classical music, but by day 7 the measures were back to the silent baseline. | McDonald and Zaki 2020; Bowman et al. 2015 | Prescription medicine from your vet | The 2023 review says there is good evidence for the efficacy of several anxiolytic medications. In its owner survey, the reported success rate for anxiolytic medication was 68.9%, at least double the rate for the other products evaluated, pressure vests excepted. | Riemer 2023 | Behaviour modification | Over 70% of owners in the survey said counterconditioning helped, the most successful intervention in the study. Noise recordings were reported successful by 54.5%. | Riemer 2023 | CBD and hemp products | Health Canada: no authorized veterinary drug contains cannabis. A study cited in the 2023 review found no evidence that CBD reduced anxiety in dogs exposed to firework recordings. | Health Canada; Riemer 2023 ### Start with your vet when fear is severe or new Noise fears often start early: a majority of affected dogs show signs in their first or second year. A new noise fear in a dog over six years old is relatively uncommon, and the review says a sudden fear of noises at an older age could point to a pain problem. It adds that any health condition, including endocrine disease, heart or lung disease, neurological problems and cognitive dysfunction, can contribute to or worsen behaviour problems, so a clinical examination and, where needed, pain management can be part of the plan ([Riemer 2023](https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC10705068)). Book a vet visit before you buy a product. ### Behaviour modification: the part that lasts Management during a noise event keeps your dog safe, and behaviour modification changes how the dog feels when it hears the noise. The 2023 review describes three approaches with evidence behind them. - **Desensitisation and counterconditioning with recordings.** The dog hears a recording at a volume that causes no fear, paired with something good, and the volume rises in small steps. The review notes that it takes time and expertise, that recordings lack the full frequencies of real noise and the lights and other cues that come with it, and that some dogs that fear real noise do not react to recordings at all. - **Counterconditioning to real noises.** Giving a treat or playing whenever a loud noise occurs was the only one of four management strategies linked to significant improvement in the review’s largest survey. A dog in full panic may refuse food and play, and then the safe space and your vet’s plan matter more. - **Relaxation training.** The dog learns to relax on cue, which the review describes as lesser known and effective. Prevention counts too. The review reports that, after age, the number of experiences during the socialisation period was the factor most strongly linked to how fearful dogs were of fireworks and thunder: more experiences went with less noise fear. Our [socialisation window guide](https://pawtrace.ca/socialisation-window-the-16-weeks-that-shape-a-dog/) covers puppies. For help with training, read [who you need: trainer, behaviourist or vet behaviourist](https://pawtrace.ca/trainer-behaviourist-or-vet-behaviourist-who-do-you-need/) and [how to choose a dog trainer in Canada](https://pawtrace.ca/how-to-choose-a-dog-trainer-in-canada/). Fear of noise and distress when left alone are separate problems, and our [separation anxiety guide](https://pawtrace.ca/separation-anxiety-prevention-beats-treatment/) covers the second. ### Products, one by one #### Pheromone diffusers, sprays and collars These products release a synthetic copy of a pheromone made by nursing mothers. The 2010 systematic review covered studies from 1998 to 2008 and concluded that 11 of the 14 reports it examined, on cats and dogs together, gave insufficient evidence of effectiveness, with 1 report showing lack of support ([Frank, Beauchamp and Palestrini 2010](https://europepmc.org/article/MED/20550445)). A placebo-controlled laboratory study of 24 beagles found lower fear scores with a pheromone collar during recorded thunder ([Landsberg et al. 2015](https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC4602264)). The 2023 review notes that other small studies reported high success rates but were open-label and combined several interventions, and that only 28.8% of 316 owners in its survey considered pheromone products effective, which is not more than a placebo effect would give. Health Canada lists the nasal route, meaning pheromones taken in by passive breathing, among the routes a veterinary health product can use ([Health Canada](https://health-products.canada.ca/vhp-psa/en/about/3)), so a calming diffuser sold in Canada may carry a notification number you can check. Our [supplement label guide](https://pawtrace.ca/dog-supplements-probiotics-canada/) explains how. #### Pressure wraps A pressure wrap is a snug garment meant to calm through steady pressure. The 2024 systematic review found 229 studies and 4 that met its criteria. Three exposed dogs to recorded firecrackers or thunder, or to separation from the owner, and one followed dogs with thunderstorm phobia at home. Most reported minimal benefits and no adverse side effects, and the review concluded that evidence is weak and limited ([Mathis et al. 2024](https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC11639916)). The 2023 review says the handling, the tight fit or the Velcro noise may stress some dogs, so habituate your dog to the wrap before an event and use it outside scary situations too. In the owner survey it summarises, 44% reported success with pressure vests, the highest rate for any non-prescription product. #### Calming supplements and herbal products The 2023 review says the effect of the majority of nutraceuticals in use does not exceed a caregiver placebo effect, and that the reported success of herbal products (35.1%), homeopathic remedies (31.2%), Bach flowers (33.5%) and essential oils (31.1%) sat in a range consistent with placebo. It describes an open-label study of one supplement in which 8 of 26 dogs dropped out, which can bias the result. A placebo-controlled study of a homeopathic remedy found no difference from placebo. Health Canada says a veterinary health product may make only general health claims and may not claim to treat, prevent or cure disease, and that unqualified words such as “safe” are generally misleading ([Health Canada, What claims are acceptable?](https://health-products.canada.ca/vhp-psa/en/about/8)). The VHP program also excludes tranquilizers other than products with mild calming effects ([Health Canada](https://health-products.canada.ca/vhp-psa/en/about/4)). Ask your vet before you give any calming supplement, and tell your vet of every product your dog already takes. #### Music and white noise Most music research was done in kennels and clinics, not homes. A critical appraisal of six studies from the University of Sydney found only weak evidence that classical music reduces stress in hospitalised dogs, although it changed some behaviours and measures linked to stress ([McDonald and Zaki 2020](https://europepmc.org/article/MED/31943134)). A University of Glasgow crossover study of kennelled dogs found changes in heart rate variability and behaviour that point to reduced stress on the first day of classical music, while salivary cortisol showed no consistent pattern. By the seventh day of music the measures were similar to the silent baseline, which the authors read as the calming effect being lost within the week ([Bowman et al. 2015](https://europepmc.org/article/MED/25708275)). For storms and fireworks, the 2023 review says research in people shows the masking sound needs to resemble the noise it covers, and that a loud fan or repetitive drum beats may be suitable for thunder or fireworks. ### Prescription medication: a decision for your vet The 2023 review says medication can relieve a dog’s immediate distress during noise and can support behaviour modification. It lists placebo-controlled trials of several prescription medicines, and reports owner-rated success with anxiolytic medication at 68.9% in its survey. It also says treatment must suit the individual dog and should be trialled before the event, that the owner must give the medicine before the noise starts or panic sets in, and that medication should not be the only part of the plan. It reports that acepromazine, a tranquilliser, is contraindicated for noise fears: it appears to have no anxiolytic properties and is suggested to heighten sound sensitivity ([Riemer 2023](https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC10705068)). A sedated dog can still be frightened. Which medicine suits your dog, and whether it is authorized for dogs in Canada, are questions for your vet. Do not give a leftover pill or a human medicine; read [why human medicines are risky for dogs](https://pawtrace.ca/never-give-your-dog-these-10-human-medicines-even-just-a-little/) first. The review says a consult with a specialist in veterinary behavioural medicine can help when medicines are combined, when behaviour is unusual or when earlier attempts did not help enough. ### Cannabis and CBD: what Health Canada says These are Health Canada’s statements, quoted or paraphrased closely, from its veterinary page on CBD (modified March 7 2025) and its What We Heard report (modified February 16 2026). - Currently, there are no authorized veterinary drugs containing cannabis, including CBD. - Any veterinary drug containing phytocannabinoids, including CBD, would be considered a prescription new drug that needs Health Canada review and approval for safety, efficacy and quality, with veterinarian oversight. - Under the Cannabis Act, cannabis includes anything in Schedule 1, for example all phytocannabinoids including CBD. Non-viable seeds are in Schedule 2 and are not cannabis under the Act. - Hemp-based veterinary health products can contain only parts of the plant that are not considered cannabis under the Act, such as hemp seed derivatives with a THC concentration of 10 µg/g or less. They may make general health claims only, with no claim to treat, prevent or cure. Health Canada says there are notified VHPs containing hemp. - The VHP program excludes cannabis as defined in the Cannabis Act, unless it is exempt through the Industrial Hemp Regulations ([Health Canada](https://health-products.canada.ca/vhp-psa/en/about/4)). - Health Canada is exploring a non-prescription pathway for veterinary drugs containing CBD. It published a discussion paper on March 7 2025. Its What We Heard report says its science advisory committee advised that, until more safety and efficacy information is available, pet owners should consult a veterinarian before giving CBD to their pets ([Health Canada, What We Heard](https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/natural-non-prescription/what-we-heard-report-health-products-containing-cannabidiol.html)). We found no authorization of such a pathway. The OVC says CBD is “not a regulated veterinary drug”, that no therapeutic dose has been established, and that owners should be aware of the potential for toxicosis, with extra caution for dogs with liver disease ([OVC, University of Guelph](https://ovcpetnutrition.uoguelph.ca/2023/06/09/joint-pain-in-pets-how-to-recognize-and-treat-osteoarthritis-2/)). That page rates cannabinoid supplements as medium evidence for osteoarthritis, not for anxiety. The 2023 noise review cites a study in which CBD showed no evidence of anxiolytic properties during firework recordings. Ask your vet before you give any cannabis or CBD product. ### Fireworks and thunderstorms in Canada Canadian dogs face noise on a calendar. Thunderstorms arrive without notice, while municipal by-laws set the days for consumer fireworks, so check yours. We verified Ottawa’s. | When | What to know | Source | Victoria Day and Canada Day (Ottawa) | Individuals can set off consumer fireworks only on Victoria Day, the day before and the day after, and on Canada Day, the day before and the day after. Sale is allowed only on Victoria Day, Canada Day and the seven business days before each. Fines apply as provided in the Provincial Offences Act. The Fire Chief can also ban consumer fireworks temporarily. | City of Ottawa, By-law No. 2003-237 | New Year’s Eve (Ottawa) | New Year’s Eve is not on the list of days when individuals may set off consumer fireworks. Display fireworks need a permit from the Fire Chief. | City of Ottawa, By-law No. 2003-237 | Thunderstorms | Storms cannot be scheduled. The review says medicine works only if given before the noise starts or panic sets in, so safe space and training need to be in place before a storm. | Riemer 2023 ### A plan for the night - Walk your dog before dark so you are not outside when the noise starts ([Ontario SPCA](https://ontariospca.ca/blog/long-weekend-fireworks-can-spook-your-pet-top-tips-to-keep-animals-calm-and-safe/)). - Keep your dog indoors with windows and doors closed, and keep it leashed if it must go out. Make sure it wears a properly fitted collar with ID tags. The Ontario SPCA advises all three and also encourages microchipping. - Set up a quiet den. The Ottawa Humane Society suggests a place protected from the noise, such as a bathroom, basement or a crate padded with blankets, with curtains drawn and exits blocked. The review says entering and leaving a crate must always be possible, and that a closed crate suits only short periods after gradual habituation. - Cover the noise. The Ontario SPCA suggests the TV or quiet music, and the Ottawa Humane Society suggests a TV or fan if your dog is used to it. The review adds, from research in people, that a masking sound needs to resemble the noise. - Offer food, a game or play whenever a loud noise occurs, if your dog will take it. - Stay calm yourself. The Ontario SPCA advises owners to stay calm. - Leave your dog at home. The Ottawa Humane Society strongly advises families not to take dogs to firework displays, and the Ontario SPCA gives the same advice ([Ottawa Humane Society, June 30 2023](https://www.ottawahumane.ca/news/posts/protecting-pets-from-fireworks/)). - The Ottawa Humane Society says anyone who sees a lost dog in Ottawa should call the City at 311, and families can file a lost report with the OHS. When to call the vet Book a vet visit, or ask about a veterinary behaviourist, if: - The fear is new, especially in a dog over six years old: the 2023 review says a sudden noise fear at an older age could point to pain, and other illness can make fear worse. - Your dog is too frightened to eat or play during noise: the review says medication may be needed to relieve immediate distress, and it must be trialled before the event. - Training and products have not helped enough, or your vet is weighing more than one medicine: the review says a specialist in veterinary behavioural medicine can help. - Your dog has injured itself trying to escape. If your dog is struggling to breathe, has collapsed, or you think it is an emergency, call your vet or the nearest 24-hour emergency clinic now. [24-hour emergency vets](https://pawtrace.ca/24-hour-emergency-vets-canada/) · [Find a vet](https://pawtrace.ca/find-a-vet/) ### Myth vs fact | Myth | Fact | A calming collar or diffuser will fix noise fear. | The 2010 review found insufficient evidence in 6 of 7 dog studies, and the 2023 review says most alternative products are unlikely to be sufficient alone. | A pressure wrap works for every dog. | The 2024 review found weak and limited evidence, and the 2023 review says some dogs find the wrap itself stressful. | Natural calming chews carry no risk. | Health Canada says an unqualified claim such as “safe” is generally misleading on a veterinary health product label. | Soft music calms a dog in a storm. | Evidence is weak and comes from kennels and clinics, and the 2023 review says, from research in people, that a masking sound needs to resemble the noise. | A sedative will calm a frightened dog. | The review says acepromazine is contraindicated for noise fears, appears to have no anxiolytic properties and is suggested to heighten sound sensitivity. | CBD is an approved calming option in Canada. | Health Canada says there are currently no authorized veterinary drugs containing cannabis, and a study cited in the 2023 review found no evidence that CBD reduced anxiety during firework recordings. ### Frequently asked questions Do calming collars and diffusers work? The evidence is mixed. A 2010 systematic review found sufficient evidence in 1 of 7 dog studies and insufficient evidence in 6. A 2015 laboratory study of 24 beagles found lower fear scores with a pheromone collar than with a placebo collar. The 2023 review calls the findings inconsistent and says such products are unlikely to be enough alone. Is a pressure wrap worth trying? It may be worth a trial with your vet’s agreement, because the studies found minimal benefits and no adverse side effects. The evidence is weak, so do not rely on it alone, and habituate your dog to the wrap before the event. Can I give my dog CBD for fireworks? Health Canada says there are currently no authorized veterinary drugs containing cannabis, including CBD, and its advisory committee advised pet owners to consult a veterinarian before giving CBD. A study cited in the 2023 noise review found no evidence that CBD reduced anxiety in dogs. Ask your vet. Should I comfort my dog during fireworks? The Ontario SPCA advises owners to stay calm. The review found that feeding or playing with the dog during noise was linked to improvement, so offer food or play if your dog will take it. When should I ask my vet for medication advice? Ask well before the date. The review says medicine should be trialled before the event, and must be given before the noise starts or panic sets in. Do not give a leftover or human medicine. Does music help an anxious dog at home? We found no study of music for noise fears at home. Studies in kennels and clinics found weak evidence. The 2023 review says, from research in people, that a masking sound needs to resemble the noise, and that a loud fan may be suitable. Is noise fear the same as separation anxiety? No. Noise fear is set off by sounds such as fireworks and thunder. Separation anxiety is distress when left alone. See our separation anxiety guide for the second. If you do not have a regular vet, or want a second opinion on severe fear, use our [Find a vet](https://pawtrace.ca/find-a-vet/) directory. To compare trainers in your city, use our [Dog services](https://pawtrace.ca/dog-services/) directory. A listing is not a recommendation, and PawTrace does not rate clinics or trainers. ### Keep reading - [Trainer, behaviourist or vet behaviourist: who do you need?](https://pawtrace.ca/trainer-behaviourist-or-vet-behaviourist-who-do-you-need/) - [Separation anxiety: prevention beats treatment](https://pawtrace.ca/separation-anxiety-prevention-beats-treatment/) - [Socialisation window: the 16 weeks that shape a dog](https://pawtrace.ca/socialisation-window-the-16-weeks-that-shape-a-dog/) - [How to choose a dog trainer in Canada](https://pawtrace.ca/how-to-choose-a-dog-trainer-in-canada/) - [Never give your dog these 10 human medicines (even “just a little”)](https://pawtrace.ca/never-give-your-dog-these-10-human-medicines-even-just-a-little/) ### Sources All links were checked on October 23 2026. Sources marked (U.S.) are not Canadian. Peer-reviewed papers are listed by journal and year. - [Riemer S. Therapy and prevention of noise fears in dogs, a review of the current evidence for practitioners. Animals, 2023;13(23):3664 (Vetmeduni Vienna, Austria)](https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC10705068) - [Mathis S et al. A systematic review of the efficacy of compression wraps as an anxiolytic in domesticated dogs. Animals, 2024;14(23):3445](https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC11639916) - [Frank D, Beauchamp G, Palestrini C. Systematic review of the use of pheromones for treatment of undesirable behavior in cats and dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 2010;236(12):1308-1316 (Université de Montréal)](https://europepmc.org/article/MED/20550445) - [Landsberg GM et al. Dog-appeasing pheromone collars reduce sound-induced fear and anxiety in beagle dogs, a placebo-controlled study. Veterinary Record, 2015;177:260](https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC4602264) - [McDonald CI, Zaki S. A role for classical music in veterinary practice: does exposure to classical music reduce stress in hospitalised dogs? Australian Veterinary Journal, 2020;98:31-36 (University of Sydney)](https://europepmc.org/article/MED/31943134) - [Bowman A, Dowell FJ, Evans NP. “Four Seasons” in an animal rescue centre: classical music reduces environmental stress in kennelled dogs. Physiology and Behavior, 2015;143:70-82 (University of Glasgow)](https://europepmc.org/article/MED/25708275) - [Health Canada: Towards a pathway for health products containing cannabidiol, veterinary drugs containing cannabidiol for animal use (modified March 7 2025)](https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/programs/consultation-towards-pathway-products-containing-cannabidiol/veterinary-drugs-animal-use.html) - [Health Canada: Towards a pathway for health products containing cannabidiol, What we heard report (modified February 16 2026)](https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/natural-non-prescription/what-we-heard-report-health-products-containing-cannabidiol.html) - [Health Canada: About the VHP Notification Program, what the program includes (nasal route)](https://health-products.canada.ca/vhp-psa/en/about/3) - [Health Canada: About the VHP Notification Program, what the program excludes (cannabis, tranquilizers)](https://health-products.canada.ca/vhp-psa/en/about/4) - [Health Canada: About the VHP Notification Program, what claims are acceptable?](https://health-products.canada.ca/vhp-psa/en/about/8) - [Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph: Joint pain in pets, how to recognize and treat osteoarthritis (June 9 2023, updated August 13 2025)](https://ovcpetnutrition.uoguelph.ca/2023/06/09/joint-pain-in-pets-how-to-recognize-and-treat-osteoarthritis-2/) - [City of Ottawa: Fireworks, By-law No. 2003-237 (consolidation read October 23 2026)](https://ottawa.ca/en/node/1014140) - [Ottawa Humane Society: Protecting pets from fireworks (June 30 2023)](https://www.ottawahumane.ca/news/posts/protecting-pets-from-fireworks/) - [Ontario SPCA and Humane Society: Long weekend fireworks can spook your pet, top tips to keep animals calm and safe (July 27 2022)](https://ontariospca.ca/blog/long-weekend-fireworks-can-spook-your-pet-top-tips-to-keep-animals-calm-and-safe/) General information only. This guide is not veterinary advice. Ask your vet before you give your dog any calming product or medicine. Written by the PawTrace Team.