Hi,
I wonder if you could help, my mothers dog, a very protective Westie Hates fireworks he barks if he hears one go off and runs round the house seeing if her can find it.:dogrun: He dosen't seam scared more excited and I was wondering if their is anything we can try to calm him down. We've had tablets from the vets but they just made him ill. He's about 8 so he's not a young dog. I have a Jack Russel cross and she seams to take it all in her stride. Any advice would be great.
Saroma:)
I actually got so hacked off with fireworks and how scared my dogs became (why oh why can't people just go to a proper firework display!?) that I found a rather expensive alternative. One is to go away somewhere for the worst few days, a guest house or hotel in the middle of nowhere that accepts dogs, and just have a break away from it all. The other, especially if I couldn't get away for some reason, was to take them up to a farm kennels where, although it meant they were in kennels, they were away from the fireworks again.
Aspirin can help a bit if your dog gets sick with the other drugs but I don't take drugs unnecesassrily and tried to avoid it for my dogs too (past tense as they've passed on now).
Fireworks do annoy the hell out of me, every year there are so many related accidents and crimes and yet still we can buy them. To set them off in public, you need a pyrotechnic license, as far as I'm concerned they should only be sold to people with such licenses. Also, if people are going to have their own crappy display at home instead of going to a proper one, you would think they might be thoughtful enough to tell the neighbours, especially seeing as firework night seems to spread across so many nights nowadays, not to mention all the unexpected "birthday fireworks" throughout the year.
Hi,
I'd suggest giving your dog some flower remedies. Either Rescue Remedy or you can try Star of Bethlehem, Mimulus, Aspen and Rock Rose - which is just about the ingredients of Rescue Remedy! Put a few drops in water and let your dog drink from it all day,
Regards,
Christina
Luckily we live in the country on a farm where fireworks are not allowed, but I have many clients with animals in town - they dread this time of year - and it's not that peaceful for the remaining year with Diwali, Chinese New Year, New Year, and lately, birthday parties!
One of my elderly clients who has a miniature Schnauzer, takes him out for a walk about 2.30pm on the 5th, then battens down the hatches and from tea time until midnight, she has classical music playing in the kitchen and bedroom, and watches action movies on her video player in the sitting room. (Very partial to Mel Gibson!) The little dog settles down beside her, and whenever he flinches or looks unsettled, she simply taps his side and says 'shhh'. She says that she doesn't use his name at all when he is edgy. She also keeps very calm and if a rocket makes her jump, she sings a verse of 'All things bright and beautiful' which calms her and him down again!!!! She is lovely - ex university professor of English - now 86 and as bright as a button.
I have two rescued dogs,( had them just over 1 year now 🙂 ) Tilly our Lab takes no notice of fireworks but Bella (collie) hates them. I have tried many things, anxiety drops, rescue remedy, skull cap, valarium (sp) and most recently I bought a Calming Collar. The fireworks began last night and set her off 🙁 barks, barks and barks, runs back and forth the living room.
The problem is, as many of you know, the fireworks will continue until well past 5th November and then of course we will then have the New Year ones which begin anytime during the Christmas period.
I am at a total loss at what else to do to help Bella during these times.
Tricia
I have a Jack Russell who tries to hide when he hears the fireworks. I too hate them and wish they weren't allowed.
Is Rescue Remedy safe for dogs? I assume it is the same one you would have for yourself?
I caught some advice the other day for dogs and firework noise, they were saying that putting a T shirt on the dog often helps them.
Fear of Thunder and Fireworks
My greyhound, Lilly, was terrified of all noises. I found that putting a t-shirt on her shortly before the storm arrived helped considerably. Just slip the shirt over the dogs head, front legs through the arm holes then lift it up and tie it in a knot on the back so they don't trip on the shirt. It wasn't a complete cure, but did seem to calm her some.
Source
I guess it's a sense of security liking wrapping a baby to comfort them?
I have a Jack Russell who tries to hide when he hears the fireworks. I too hate them and wish they weren't allowed.
Is Rescue Remedy safe for dogs? I assume it is the same one you would have for yourself?
Yes, rescue remedy is safe for all animals. Put on the back of the neck as often as required. You can also during these days put some in their water bowls every day.