Hi, can anyone give me some advice that works on Fireworks and dogs.  I've got a 6 year old Akita, which is terrified of them and they've actually started this weekend.  She destroys anything and everything, but likes wires, she chewed through the ariel yesterday.  I've got tablets from the vets but would have to give her them every day, as she is left till 1.00pm and the school lunch time is 12 till 1. so if one goes off at lunch time she's started before I get home.  I tried the CD of fireworks but this did'nt help.  If anyone knows of anything that works please please let me know. We now have 6 weeks at least of destructfulness and a very anxious dog.

http://www.crosskeysbooks.com/members/rafe1.html

Curing Firework Phobia

http://www.soundsscary.com/Page%201.htm
http://www.dogdayz.co.uk/
http://www.soundsscary.com/Firework%20night%20client%20handout.pdf

DAP Diffuser may help

Bach Flower Essences: Mimulus or Rock Rose

Homoeopathic Remedies: Phosphorus or Gelsemium

Herbal Remedies: Chamomile or Valerian

Cheers for that swift reply, I've actually  tried the essence (emergency essence) and the DPA, also the scary sounds CD, I'm now going to try and leave the radio on quite loud, not sure if this will work.  Am willing to try anything!

Does she have a den to hide in ? My younger dog is frightened of them (although it has got a lot better now) and likes to disappear under a table in a corner, which she obviously feels safe in :)

Daisy

No Daisy, she does'nt have a den as such, however she sleeps in a corner under the stairs in the kitchen during the day and with us upstairs on a night.  We have tried to make the kitchen as safe as possible for her and us!  The kettle was on the floor today when I got home, so that now will have to be put away.  I only wish we could CURE her so she was'nt so frightened, she really shakes and pants its quite frightening, but to drug her up all the time seems a bit extreme.

I have the same problem with Missie, panting, shaking. She wont settle at all. Tried the rescue drops on her tongue but they didnt seem to work. I just hope she doesn't pass on her fears to Maddie, though Maddie seems to be quite calm with sudden loud noises but she's only 7 months so she hasn't heard fireworks yet!!!

Rescue Remedy is helpful for emergency situations, but for a longer term problem it is not always the best solution. If you would like to e-mail me I can tell you about remedy combinations that may be more suitable.

Have you tried melatonin?

If you search Google for melatonin+fireworks you will find heaps of information.

I have no experience of using it but it appears to be successful in many cases.

We have tried cotton wool in our horses ears with success - havent tried it with our boxers though, although they dont seem that bothered.
Does anyone's dogs actually like watching the display quiet fireworks - mine are facinated and watch quietly through the window when we do.

Yes, none of my dogs have been at all worried about fireworks, thunder, guns etc and they like watching the fireworks as do I.

Serene-UM is a product that can be used for firework phobia, thunderstorms, travelling etc, it helps animals to relax. 

The ingredients are:

Inositol 26mg, Nicotinamide 26mg, Taurine 15mg, L-Tryptophan 15mg, Calcium (as Carbonate) 19mg, Vitamin B6 14mg, Zinc (as Citrate) 0.136mg, Vitamin E 0.5IU, Selenium (as Selenate) 0.000275mg and Vitamin D3 100IU

Inositol is related to the B vitamins, and has therapeutic effects in the spectrum of illness responsive to serotonin selective re-uptake inhibitors, including depression, panic and OCD.

Nicotinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 it is essential for a healthy nervous system. Symptoms of nicotinamide deficiency include depression, anxiety or dementia.

Taurine is an amino acid. It is found in the central nervous system, and is synthesized from the amino acids Methionine and Cysteine, in conjunction with vitamin B6.

Taurine functions in electrically active tissues such as the brain and heart to help stabilize cell membranes. Taurine seems to inhibit and modulate neurotransmitters in the brain and helps to stabilize cell membranes. Taurine aids the movement of potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium in and out of cells and thus helps generate nerve impulses. There have been reports on the benefits of Taurine supplementation for epileptics. It has also been found to control motor tics, such as uncontrollable facial twitches. Taurines' effectiveness in epilepsy has been limited by its poor diffusion across the blood-brain barrier.

L-TRYPTOPHAN is an amino acid, one of the building blocks of protein, but unlike some amino acids, it is considered essential because the body cannot manufacture its own. It plays many roles in animals but perhaps most importantly, it is an essential precursor to a number of neurotransmittters in the brain. As such, it is the only substance that can be converted into serotonin. Since serotonin, in turn is converted into melatonin, it clearly plays an instrumental role in balancing mood and sleep patterns.

It is used for depression, anxiety and OCD. 

Vitamin B6 is an essential nutrient in the dog and is important in amino acid metabolism.  It has been recommended for depression, irritability and nervousness.

Thank you all for the advice I'm going through your suggestions and checking them out, the last two days have gone well, the rain is putting the firework handlers off, so its been quiet.  She's a bit calmer and hopefully I'll find a remedy that works.

Hi i am also worried about this as its my first firework night with a dog. My sister swears by a loud radio tho

Gotta be honest I am worried too -it will be our 'first time' too, is there anything as sensible people we should do on the night or before hand if necessary?  my lovely girl doesn't even like other dogs barking!!

Have you thought about trying out the Fireworks Soundtrack CD.
Have a look at the following:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4041855696&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

The cd is very life like and has been used to great effect.