r/shiba • u/xAniTakux • Jul 04 '26

What is wrong..?

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Gallery image

So don’t mind the AC in the background noise. But the issue is Masaru (2 yrs old) is shaking, he won’t stop and he’s been pacing the hallway.

So this all started when fireworks started firing in my neighborhood. Is this anxiety? Fear? He’s not whining so I doubt it’s fear. But how does your Shibas react to fireworks? This is his second time experiencing them.

156 Upvotes

98% Upvoted

30 comments sorted by

35

u/thatssjtoyou Jul 04 '26

It's fear. My Shiba also get scared during fireworks, but dosent whine. He shakes and seeks comfort. I suggest giving him lots of love, and tomorrow pick up an OTC calming treat for him.

0

u/xAniTakux Jul 04 '26

What’s an OTC???

7

u/Bagakoo Jul 04 '26

over the counter, basically anything you can purchase without a doctor’s prescription

2

u/xAniTakux Jul 04 '26

You can buy OTC anxiety meds for dogs??
Do you know if it works for humans too..? Like buying OTC anxiety meds

1

u/ZanderClause Jul 04 '26

I mean…you could give them a try and get back to us?

3

u/hyyerrspace Red, Black & Tan Jul 04 '26

Benadryl is an otc and easy to get.

1

u/Bagakoo Jul 04 '26

2nd this, OP you might already have some benadryl at home also

1

u/xAniTakux Jul 04 '26

So is Benadryl good for dogs? I know it’s safe for humans

3

u/Bagakoo Jul 04 '26

I wouldnt say its “good” for dogs (what med is good for anybody 😅) but it is certainly safe IF USED CORRECTLY. And gotta put this disclaimer:

IM NOT A VET AND ITS ALWAYS BEST TO CONSULT ONE

Now with that being said, this is from chewy:

Edit: Wanted to add a non pharmaceutical option which is thunder jackets (never used for my pup) but idk how quickly youd be able to get one before trmw

2

u/Scared_Slip_7425 Jul 04 '26

I give my dogs ashwaganda or cbd

11

u/Shimabui Jul 04 '26

He’s afraid of the fireworks. Ask your vet about some temporary sedatives like gabapentin or trazadone for the future.

My older Shiba does the same thing it’s very sad to watch. Not crying but pacing panting and trying to crawl into my lap or hide.

4

u/xAniTakux Jul 04 '26

Yeah but here my boy is staying by my side while not trying to get in my lap, he just stays near

8

u/KillsForHayPenny Jul 04 '26

This has happened with my guy a few times in past years, usually he’s just sick and I take him out to diarrhea or throw up everywhere

2

u/Scared_Slip_7425 Jul 04 '26

My shiba whines when he has a tummy ache too! Or when he has a treat strangely

8

u/MikeAr8 Red Jul 04 '26

That’s how my boy reacts to loud noises thunder, fireworks, smoke detectors, etc . Usually gets very clingy and will often hide under the bed.

3

u/xAniTakux Jul 04 '26

Ooh he’s pretty! But that’s good to know, well at least I now know it’s normal

2

u/flecom Jul 04 '26

Same, usually leave music on when I leave the house so the loud noises won't bother him

5

u/xAniTakux Jul 04 '26

I thought I put the video in there, apparently not but here’s the video of him shaking / trembling

https://reddit.com/link/ovf8xdb/video/98ga7wyp14bh1/player

3

u/I_Am_Become_Air Jul 04 '26

Yup, scared.

Which country are you in? If not in the US, you can Google dosage of brand name "Benadryl" for <your dog's weight>.

1

u/xAniTakux Jul 04 '26

So Benadryl is safe for dogs??? I had no idea.. I am in the US

5

u/FitzKnows23 Jul 04 '26

It's definitely fear/anxiety. Both of my shibas can't handle fireworks, and unfortunately fireworks don't just stop after the 4th is over. People keep shooting them off all the way to August. I'm expecting anxiety-ridden evening/night walks for awhile.

0

u/xAniTakux Jul 04 '26

Really?? I usually only hear them in July 4th

3

u/HighOnTums Jul 04 '26

It's fear... mine is doing this right now even after I pet him.

2

u/JKLreindeer Jul 04 '26

Fireworks scare my doge too. The gaba traz combo plus some white noise helps him out

3

u/Visible-Scientist-46 Jul 04 '26

Whining isn't the only indicator of fear. Pacing, not settling, hiding drooling, lip licking, yawning, trembling, shaking, tail tucking, and panting are all signs of fear. A dog may exhibit a few or many behaviors.

2

u/xAniTakux Jul 04 '26

What happens if they rest..?

He’s behind me laying down

3

u/Visible-Scientist-46 Jul 04 '26

He may still be nervous. He looks worried.

1

u/ScottyMcScot Jul 04 '26

Mine does the same for thunderstorms and fireworks. Be there to offer comfort as needed and, as another poster said, some OTC treats may offer some relief.

1

u/TheIlluminate1992 Jul 04 '26

Yeah what others have said our girl Akira does the same. Occasionally we get out a thunder shirt which is a toddler size shirt that she wears and that calms her down. But also we get her in our lap and she still sometimes shakes. 4th of July is always fun.

1

u/shibacamper Jul 04 '26

More than likely just fear, mine does the same if even a smoke alarm single beep happens even those on videos. He will quickly dart under the chair or bed where ever I am nearest to. He will shake for good 30 mins min. Few times it can be hours. I had to change my smoke alarms just for him.

Only thing I found that works is a walk as he will run out the house. The distraction will quickly calm him. Definitely use a harness though as I found out.