Its started already :( huge firework party on Friday night and one of my boys ended up on the sofa head on my other halfs lap shaking like a leaf   I live in the sticks so he doesnt have a problem with gunfire but these fireworks are so loud. 

I dont want to sedate him but was reading up about valerium, has anyone used this ? does it work ? and how soon before the fireworks start do you have to give it ?

Thanks

Claire

I use it for travelling one of my dogs and also fireworks time.  You dont need them on it all the time which is great but during fireworks season I give them everyday to one dog.  I use the dorwest tablet version.  We give them two about an hour to an hour and a half before getting dark (before fireworks) and then you can give them another two a bit later if it isnt enough.  I think for bigger dogs its a larger dose , you will know when it is right as they seem all happy and waggy regardless of what is going on.  We have even used it on our cats in the past.

Emma

Thank you, I will give dorwest a ring and order some.

Hi Claire the valerium compound is better (more effective) than the scullcap & valerian tablets :)  I don't pre-dose with this, using it on an as and when basis only however would give the tablets several days in advance.

As an alternative I've also found that using serene-um tablets for a few days (preferably a week) before the main fireworks start is helpful and I then increase the dosage over the Guy Fawkes weekend.

Wish they'd ban the darn things :(  That would be the most effective solution!

I use Skullcap and valarium for my girl who is awful with fireworks.  She has started the tablets now I give her 4 in the morning and 4 in the evening she weighs just on 40kg.  I also have the liquid which on the bad nights I give her a dose of that as well. 
It really does help and she soon settles down when they get going.

yep, ive just spoken to Dorwest and order some valarium and scullcap tablets plus some valarium compound.  she has recommeneded 3 tablets twice daily then top up with the compound liquid on bad nights.

I agree Teri, I wish they would ban them - or at least make them quieter !!

Teri
I use the Serene-um too. Used it last year and my dog was fine. Have just started him on them again this year, fingers crossed it will work the same. My dog is petrified of fireworks, also thunder and lighteningas well.

DAP spray? a friend swears by it now with hers she sprays it on a cloth and wraps it through their collars.
Hope you get sorted
Angela

Can valerium be used on cats??

DAP idea is good too.

Banning fireworks would be even better.
As my own silent protest over the years, I would not shop where fireworks were on sale, but they are even on sale in Sainsburys this year!

according to dorwest herbs website it can be used on cats :)

There's a new product available called Zylkene available from your vet, or over the net. It's supposed to have no harmful side-effects like the usual drug sedatives can. I'm thinking of trying Piglet with it this year because he's usually so bad. DAP takes the edge off his terror but he still gets very distressed. He can be a guinea-Piglet!

theres also a fireworks cd you can buy from most good pet shops,Apparently you start playing it a few weeks before hand at a quiet level ,then slowly turn the volume up untill the dog is used to the noise.its supposed to work by de sensitising the dog to the sound by making it an every day occurrance.
Cant vouch for how good it is ,but it maybe something to consider if you dont want to go down the sedation route.

So Teri, which do you find more effective? the Serene-um or the valerium?

I have one of those CD's, I used it when the boys were puppies - not very effective as it cant re-create the vibrations the lound bangs make :(

Hi Lori,

different dogs, different results TBH.  I'd be inclined to recommend using serene-um first following a course over a week or more and then using the valerian compound as and when needed during fireworks, thunder etc.

It is a bit of a judgement call because not all dogs respond to OTC drugs at all never mind to any homeopathic or herbal remedies.  However I wouldn't personally advocate giving any precribed sedatives - especially not the all too usually given ACP which I personally know to have killed two dogs in recent years as well as having heard/read of many more :(

I'm fortunate that currently the none of mine are too bothered by Guy Fawkes etc but others always responded sufficiently well to the serene-um + valerian drops when needed :)

whoops, ETA I should have mentioned chamomilla (sp) (calmolimaloy/chamoliennium ) - comes in granules or liquid - the most sensitive dog I've had only ever coped when using that - def worth a go!

HTH, Teri

Thanks Teri I'll stock up on both. Poor Milo is such a wreck when the fireworks go off. He's so bad I worry about stress-induced bloat or heart attacks. If they only went off on bonfire night I'd just go away to some remote cottage but they're almost everynight here and will be from now to January. My neighbors set them off pretty much year-round.  :(

With mine about 3 years ago I started sitting on the settee with the curtains open and we all lean over and watch the fireworks go off, they seem to absolutely love it, especially lastar who was that petrified one year he actually knocked the patio windows off the runner at midnight and I was stuck there trying to hold the door in!

I'm sure the neighbours think we are right idiots as I'm there watching the fireworks with 4 dogs perched on the settee too but it's the only thing that has ever worked for them.  Will have new puppy too this year so looks like it's going to be fun, NOT!

At puppy classes the dogs listened to the CD with fireworks, etc. on it to familiarise them.  But the fireworks seem to be all year round now, so they have both become accustomed to them.  I absolutely hate fireworks and think they should be banned (except for authorised displays).  What I hate is walking the dogs and then one goes off in the next street!  At least in November you expect them - not all year round!