dog

[Connemmara]

God I dread Halloween - fireworks already starting here in Northern Ireland - and my wee dog shakes so violently I think every year his heart will give out. Received a leaflet from vet who said leave them alone and let them find comfort somewhere themselves. I may be going out on Halloween (never never do but it is family member's 70th birthday and I dread to find when I get home.

Anybody have any solutions to help him. I know there are pills in Petworld ie tranqus - do they work.

[kita1]

I had a GSD that was terrified of fireworks. I never found anything that would calm her down (I even had her sister and another dog that used to sleep through it all). I think sometimes tranquilisers only make them feel worse, less in control of things.

Would it be at all possible to put him in a kennels for that night? If you could find a kennels in the middle of nowhere - that you could be certain there would be no fireworks? At least then he would be certain of a quiet and peaceful night.

[Connemmara]

I did think of the kennels but I truly believe that in even remote kennels - the dogs hearing is so acute he would still hear it and mum here could not hold him. Still the kennels maybe the best thing - cos my own heart beats so fast and sad for him. Having said that he is a very cheeky wee dog. Bless him.

To those who are interested.

If I squeak a toy (certain one) he can bark in a certain way and it sounds like a yes (unbelievable). When I put to him to his wee bed and put a blanket over him I say to him lift your leg - he then lifts the leg for me to tuck him in. These dogs are unbelievable - was a rescue dog - cross bread jack russell and dont know the other breed. He is nearly like my husband.

Knows what kind of clothese I wear ie night clothes or day clothes (day) means a walk. That's all folks.

[Connemmara]

I have brilliant neighbours but nobody wants a dog - no way - especially the way he shakes so vehemently. Nobody would want to be responsible for him

[sue11]

Ahh connemmara, I really feel for your poor doggie, I hope you find the right solution for him this year. Have you heard of the conditioning treatments in the form of CD's that you can buy that you can play to gradually get your animal used to the sound of fireworks. A bit like any phobia treatment it exposes the animal to whatever it is that frightens them and then gradually they get used to the problem. I think I saw this on a tv programme last year as a possible solution to animals suffering at this time of year. Obviously it will be too late for this year but perhaps you could give it a try for next year?
Cheers Sue

[Nosha123]

I leave the tv on loud for my cat... so the noise of fireworks doesnt seem so loud... You could try a homeopathic 'calming' product called Bach Rescue Remedy...

Give your vet a call and see what they think..

If he is that bad I dont expect the homeopathic things will necessarily stop the nervousness...
Poor little lamb....