Tranquilisers for a small dog.

[sandyRoe]

I've got some Xanax tablets from the Vet for my dog to try and calm it over the Halloween-Guy Fawkes firework madness.
Should I start the dog on them now?

[abstibus]

Sandy
I can only speak from my experience. My last Lab was petrified by fireworks, so I got some tranquillisers from the vet for her. They knocked her off her feet, and she was so pathetic that I swore I would never do it again.
Instead, I made sure that she was as far removed from the noise as possible, kept the radio on, even took her to bed so she could burrow under the duvet.
However, medication for this may have improved since then.

[divegirl]

What did the vet say to do? Are there lots of fireworks going off already where you are?

Lisa x

[sandyRoe]

Thank you both for your answers. The fireworks started last night so I'll give the wee dog the first of its tablets in its meals today.

[abstibus]

And lots of cuddles, Sandy.

[divegirl]

I've been lucky so far this year and there haven't been any yet. I can handle the dogs in their varying states of fright but it's the cats I really worry about, mind you they do seem to make it home in record time as soon as one goes off!
I have to say though, I don't agree with cuddling a scared dog as I believe it re-enforces their fear.
I do the curtains closed, the tv a touch louder and ignore any barking and crying, they soon settle down.
How old is your dog Sandy?

Lisa x

[divegirl]

Oh and what breed....do you have a tight fitting top you could squeeze it in to? Sounds mad but it has a calming effect.

[Baldric]

Our two are so different with fireworks, the big guy, as in avatar, goes in the kitchen and under the table, we draw the blinds and leave a radio on for him, then he's fine, the other one sits by the patio doors and watches them, not a twitch!

[EvianBaby]

I always thought you were supposed to basically ignore the fireworks and not treat the dog any differently, particularly not giving extra fuss.

[wolf63]

My two moggies are indoor cats. They love watching the fireworks from behind the double glazing - even the noise doesn't bother them.

I can understand how unsettling it can be - they don't understand the noise and flashes.

Good luck to all of you who have hairy/furry friends who are nervous at this time of year.

[wolf63]

evian - that is what you are 'supposed' to do. But it is so hard to see a little loved one suffer, giving them a cuddle seems to be the natural thing to do.

[EvianBaby]

I know. My cat will take hiding behind the TV unit but I do just try and treat him the same as usual.

[sandyRoe]

The dog is a rescued Cairn Terrier. I think it might be about 7 now.

[divegirl]

Ahhh...so his behaviour is well imprinted then. Could be worth buying a small t-shirt in a charity shop though.

Lisa x

[Connemmara]

Hi Sandy I dread this time too as my dog literally falls to pieces. So sad to see him shaking so vehemently and there is nothing one can do. He is 8 and never gets used to the fireworks - last time dishwasher lid was down and he tried to get in - I sometimes (it is up to him) let him go into the dark cloakroom where he sits and shivers his timbers!!!

[woofgang]

Evian its one thing not making a fuss, but i defy you to behave normally when you have got a total of around 70 kg of dog sat in your lap shivering. I don't baby them and do try and jolly them along but there is no point not recognising and dealing with the fact that they are terrified.

[divegirl]

Connemmara, it can be a good thing to let them go off into a 'den'. Try putting his bed in there and a radio if you can and see how that works.

Lisa x

[jules77]

Xanax will also make dogs very sleepy and as annemollie says can knock them off their feet. I gave my dogs something to calm them down years ago and said I would never do it again as they were more distressed with the effect of the tranquilisers than they were with the fireworks.

[islasmum]

I used to get Xanax for my oldest labrador when he was still around, and I was never really sure if they helped hiom or not - he hated loud noises all his life. Unfortunately he also infected Isla with his fear, although, sensitive little flower that she is, she may have been scared in her own right.
The fireworks started round us on friday - I thought that Isla was going to be ok, but just as I was on my way upstairs a firework sizzled and banged more or less outside our front door, reducing her to a quivering lump of jelly, and she wouldn't settle down after that, so I spent the night with one large Belgian Shepherd hogging most of a double bed. I may have made a rod for my own back, but I'd rather that she wasn't scared sh*tless and I have a disturbed night - and she snores worse than my OH!