My Mum has a 2 year old Westie is who is terrified of fireworks and thunder to the point where he tries to escape, hyperventilates and is very terrified (we're not talking not being able to settle here).
Last bonfire night my Mum tried to bandage his head to avoid him hearing the loud bangs but he still heard and escaped up the street (My Mums garden is dog proof however when he is very scarred he digs and gets out).
The vet has prescribed ACP a quarter of a tablet but my Mum is aprhensive about sedating him evry night (if only bonfire night was 1 night a year this wouldn't be an issue however we have fireworks for 4 or 5 weeks).
Has anyone else been in the same situation or how do others cope?
Shes tried leaving a radio tv on.

You could try adding a few drops of Bachs Rescue Remedy to his water, it's supposed to have a calming effect, although I've not tried it myself, as thankfully my dynamic duo don't bat an eye at fireworks et al.

liberty

DAP defussers (available from your vet) have had very good results with firework phobic dogs....

you say she tried leaving the radio and tv on! does this mean she leaves the dog alone on bonfire night?

I use VALERIANA TINCTURE i give it to them over the week leading upto firework night on that night i give a bigger dose close kennel doors and they sleep/house dogs have the same with radio playing and no i dont go out and leave them just incase some one thinks because radio is that i am not there. you do have to send for this but i do have the web site if you want some.

Can you send me the website address please, I have used ACP for firework night. But unfortunatley there seem to be fireworks every weekend here year round, if it is a big display and is advertised I take the dogs out of town for the evening untill it is over but with there being fireworks for weddings most weekends you just don't get to hear about them grrrrrrrrh

Hiya,
Baillie is absolutely terrified from fireworks as well. He paces up and down, crying and just generally getting himself so distressed - it's absolutely horrible to see him like this :(
For the last few years, he's been prescribed sedatives from the vet - and they do work - although he is totally spaced out, with very heavy eyes - but he doesn't bother about the fireworks - so I think it's the lesser of the two evils. I'd ban them completely with the exception of organised displays once a year.
Sharon
X

Jackie,
I think I perhaps worded it a bit wrong no she doesn't leave him on his own I meant she left the radio on all night as opposed to switching it off before she goes to bed.