Fireworks Again

[Errrrrr]

My dog isn't scared of anything, I have seen grown pizza men run up the path, set a firework off and he wants to get on my lap and he is like 20kg, what can I do, dreading the new year. Thanks

[Buenchico]

Plenty of advice here:
https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/general/fireworks

[chrissa1]

Definitely get him one of these.

http://www.thundershirt.co.uk/?SID=1s9pb1t05nt8dlsdm7h1k4tjt1&___store=uk

My 12 year old Lab is terrified of fireworks and I only wish I'd got him one of these, sooner. He went through last month's fireworks without a care in the world, especially as in this new house, I don't have double glazing.

You can get them at any Pets At Home store. They really work.

[woofgang]

The only thing I have found that helps my two is melatonin.

[EDDIE51]

I saw advice on an animal rescue web site that I had not seen in other places. It said if your dog is scared of fireworks DO NOT comfort it ! This just reinforces the idea that there IS danger and YOU are scared as well. Just carry on as if there is nothing wrong and everything is completely normal. This plants the idea that there is nothing to be scared of and they calm down.
Seems reasonable to me.
Of course if you really are scared of fireworks then you have a problem, as the dog will sense your fear and react accordingly.

[woofgang]

EDDIE thats a bunch of bulwarks
http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/theotherendoftheleash/you-cant-reinforce-fear-dogs-and-thunderstorms

[Errrrrr]

Thanks for your answers, I have tried ignoring it but it is hard when he is taking the paint off the walls and skin off my legs.

[Errrrrr]

Not sure what bulwalks means

[chrissa1]

That helps, Eddie but it's the percussive effects that dogs feel, not just the noises.

Honestly Errrr, th shirt works. Here's a DIY one you could try:

http://m.wimp.com/learn-how-to-make-diy-fabric-wraps-that-calm-your-dogs/

[woofgang]

errrrr testicles....
That do not comfort nonsense has been disproved along with many other unkind things. I have got dogs who scrabble and panic too...they are a bit bigger than yours, around 30 kg each. There are many things that can help. I have tried most of them except thundershirts because my dogs hate clothing so it would make things worse. You can get advice from your vet and if its really bad then you can get prescription meds DO NOT accept stuff called ACP. Not many vets supply it now, its quite old fashioned, but the odd one will offer it. It stops the dog’s panicked behaviour but they still feel as scared...its like paralysis except they aren’t paralysed.
http://www.ribblevets.co.uk/page/248/Firework-Phobia.htm

[chrissa1]

I thought your first sentence was aimed at me there, woofgang! Lol.

I wouldn't describe the Thundershirt as clothing, though. It's meant to be cinched comfortabley tight as if you were holding your dog. Not just draped over them.

[Cloverjo]

I've bought a pet remedy spray to try to help a dog I'll be looking after this year. She got quite stressed last year, so I thought it might be worth a try. It contains valerian and other calming substances. Sorry I can't vouch for it yet.

[woofgang]

chrissa, its the tightness they don’t like. Not everything works for every dog

[Errrrrr]

What is melatonin and I assume you get it from the vets? I know what bulwalks is now, tried that and it was a nightmare to get out of his coat, he has been lopped.

[ladybirder]

Here you go Errrrrr, make sure you get just the 1g, not stronger.
https://www.biovea.com/uk/product_detail.aspx?PID=21540&deptid=1&cid=22595&OS=202&NAME=MELATONIN-1mg-180-Vegetarian-Capsules

[woofgang]

ladybirder, we have had this convo before :) Dogs react very differently to melatonin from humans. My 30 kg dogs get 15 mg or more per dose and can have this every 4 to 6 hours when things are bad. It doesn’t even make them sleepy let alone knock them out.
The starter dose for a 20 kg dog is 6mg 3 times daily but the dose can be doubled with no ill effect and given more often. I, and others have noticed that stress seems to clear the melatonin from the dog’s system faster so it may be better to stick to the 6 mg but give it more often. Errrrr you won’t be likely to get much info from your vet as they are not allowed to prescribe or sell it. Its not illegal to own it or use it on the UK, just not legal to sell it or for a vet to prescribe it. Ask by all means.
Here’s a useful article
http://webcanine.com/2007/melatonin-for-stress/

[Errrrrr]

Sorry been out all day, in demand. I don't really want to go down that route. I just want my bed back.

[woofgang]

Errrrr most of the options which work involve medication of some kind, and ALL of the options which work without preparation involve medication. As the time gets shorter, the options get less. Even the instructions for the thundershirt emphasise the need for preparation. You can either try non prescription stuff or you can see your vet.

[chrissa1]

What about my suggestions, Errrr?

[chrissa1]

The "preparation" for the Thundershirt are just to make sure it fits snugly and not too, tightly. The calming feeling it gives the dog is felt almost immediately.

I know. I've seen it work with my, dog.

[Errrrrr]

Chrissa, I think we all know our pets and as much as I want to help him, there is no way he would let me put a shirt on him.