Fireworks, Hints and Tips

Catty

• Last online: 22 Oct 2007
• Mother Hen
• Posts: 53
• Registered: 22 August 2006
• From: N. Yorkshire UK

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Fireworks Hints and tips


I've been thinking about fireworks night (or fortnight) which will be upon us all soon and I'm sure Belle is not the only dog here that gets nervous. My idea was to swap hints and tips for keeping you dog calm over the period other than getting sedatives from the vets.

I've found these on the net :yes: has anyone used either product? were they any good?


Dog Appeasing Pheromone [URL=http://www.doggiesolutions.co.uk/erol.html#1X0]DAP link[/URL]

SERENE-UM. non sedative medication for cats and dogs

Formulated for dogs and puppies who display some common behavioural problems, SERENE-UM is also beneficial with helping your pet cope during "unsettling periods), like fireworks, thunderstorms, car journeys, trips to the vets and family gatherings.
SERENE-UM consists of totally natural blend of amion acids and vitamins, which helps to relax your pet into a sleep-like state and thus offers you a natural alternative.
Because SERENE-UM is totally natural and has no side effects you can give it to your pet safely for as long as you wish or for short periods.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE: Crumble tablet and add to food. If preferred, the tablet can be given whole. It may be necessary to commence the administration of Serene-UM 3 to 4 days prior to the event to maximise the benefits of the product.

RECOMMENDED AMOUNTS:
Small animals up to 5kg half to 1 tablet daily Cats up to 5 kg 1 tablet twice daily Dogs 5kg to 10 kg 1 tablet three times a day Dogs 10kg to 20kg 2 tablets up to three times a day Dogs 20kg and over 3 tablets up to three times a day

ANALYTICAL COMPOSITION PER TABLET:

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.

Now available in drops - add to food or water.

_________________________________________________________________


RSPCA basic care recommendations

Protect your pet when fireworks are around by following our animal-friendly firework code:

Cats

Keep your cat indoors.

Close all windows and curtains and switch on music or the television to drown out the noise.

Leave your cat to take refuge in a corner if it wishes. Do not try to tempt it out as this could cause more stress.

Make sure your cat is microchipped to ensure it can be returned to you if it escapes and becomes lost.

Dogs

Exercise your dog during the day.

Never walk your dog while fireworks are being let off.

As with cats, keep your dog indoors, close the curtains and play music or turn on the television to drown out the noise.

Let your dog hide if it wants to take refuge under furniture or in a corner.

Make sure your dog is wearing a collar and tag and is microchipped in case it bolts and becomes lost.

To further minimise distress, ask your vet about the Dog Appeasing Pheromone. It is a synthetic version of a chemical produced by a bitch shortly after she has given birth. The pheromone reassures newborn puppies and naturally calms them down. Scientists have discovered it also helps calm older dogs as well.

A simple plug-in diffuser that disperses the chemical into the room is available at some veterinary practices. It is safe and easy to use.

If your dog is particularly prone to becoming very distressed, discuss sedatives with your vet. Remember, these should be given before the firework noise begins to allow them to take effect.

Small animals
Small animals - such as rabbits and guinea pigs - living outside should not be forgotten. They can also become very stressed from loud noise. Bring small animals indoors or into an outhouse or garden shed to give them extra protection.

Horses
Horses often bolt from firework noise and become injured. Always make sure horses, ponies and donkeys are stabled while fireworks are being let off. Make sure fireworks are not in view by closing the stable door.

Bonfires
Bonfires can be fatal for wildlife such as hedgehogs, which often crawl in to them to sleep. Build bonfires as late as possible to reduce this risk and make sure you disturb the foundations of the bonfire to give any wildlife a chance to escape before it is lit.

Always clear up after a fireworks party - litter is hazardous to domestic and wild animals.

REMEMBER, REMEMBER - never let off fireworks near animals

If you see an animal in need of help call the RSPCA's cruelty and advice line on 0300 1234 999.

An alternative is to book an appointment with the vet for some valium tablets. These can be very helpful to take the edge off a nervous dog without actually sedating them.

Another medication our vet suggested is Piriton. It's available from all chemists as a 4mg tablet and as it's just an anti-histamine its very safe. It can cause drowsiness in some dogs which in these cases can be a desirable
effect.


Any other hint or tips??

SiteEditor
Laura Cannon

• Last online: 19 Nov 2008
• Mother Hen
• Posts: 54
• Registered: 9 August 2006
• From: Winchester, UK

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You beat me to it Catty - what a great idea to share tips.

Frank gets very distressed by fireworks so this year I was planning to walk him just before it gets dark so he doesn't have to go outside again, then shut all the doors to keep him in just the living room, with me there, and keep the tv or radio on until past 11pm, so it should muffle any sound of bangs. Not very scientific, but human presence seems to calm them more than anything else.

I've posted a feature on the homepage with advice from the Blue Cross too, but the RSPCA stuff you've posted here Catty is great anyway.
What do people with cats do? Must look on the other forum.
Laura

Hi everyone, my dog is very nervous about fireworks, it has literally taken him 3 weeks to start to calm down and he is still very jumpy and anxious; did anyone try sedatives and if yes how did they work?

Many thanks

Amanda

QUOTE]Fireworks Hints and tips


I've been thinking about fireworks night (or fortnight) which will be upon us all soon and I'm sure Belle is not the only dog here that gets nervous. My idea was to swap hints and tips for keeping you dog calm over the period other than getting sedatives from the vets.

I've found these on the net :yes: has anyone used either product? were they any good?


Dog Appeasing Pheromone [URL=http://www.doggiesolutions.co.uk/erol.html#1X0]DAP link[/URL]

SERENE-UM. non sedative medication for cats and dogs

Formulated for dogs and puppies who display some common behavioural problems, SERENE-UM is also beneficial with helping your pet cope during "unsettling periods), like fireworks, thunderstorms, car journeys, trips to the vets and family gatherings.
SERENE-UM consists of totally natural blend of amion acids and vitamins, which helps to relax your pet into a sleep-like state and thus offers you a natural alternative.
Because SERENE-UM is totally natural and has no side effects you can give it to your pet safely for as long as you wish or for short periods.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE: Crumble tablet and add to food. If preferred, the tablet can be given whole. It may be necessary to commence the administration of Serene-UM 3 to 4 days prior to the event to maximise the benefits of the product.

RECOMMENDED AMOUNTS:
Small animals up to 5kg half to 1 tablet daily Cats up to 5 kg 1 tablet twice daily Dogs 5kg to 10 kg 1 tablet three times a day Dogs 10kg to 20kg 2 tablets up to three times a day Dogs 20kg and over 3 tablets up to three times a day

ANALYTICAL COMPOSITION PER TABLET:

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.

Now available in drops - add to food or water.

_________________________________________________________________


RSPCA basic care recommendations

Protect your pet when fireworks are around by following our animal-friendly firework code:

Cats

Keep your cat indoors.

Close all windows and curtains and switch on music or the television to drown out the noise.

Leave your cat to take refuge in a corner if it wishes. Do not try to tempt it out as this could cause more stress.

Make sure your cat is microchipped to ensure it can be returned to you if it escapes and becomes lost.

Dogs

Exercise your dog during the day.

Never walk your dog while fireworks are being let off.

As with cats, keep your dog indoors, close the curtains and play music or turn on the television to drown out the noise.

Let your dog hide if it wants to take refuge under furniture or in a corner.

Make sure your dog is wearing a collar and tag and is microchipped in case it bolts and becomes lost.

To further minimise distress, ask your vet about the Dog Appeasing Pheromone. It is a synthetic version of a chemical produced by a bitch shortly after she has given birth. The pheromone reassures newborn puppies and naturally calms them down. Scientists have discovered it also helps calm older dogs as well.

A simple plug-in diffuser that disperses the chemical into the room is available at some veterinary practices. It is safe and easy to use.

If your dog is particularly prone to becoming very distressed, discuss sedatives with your vet. Remember, these should be given before the firework noise begins to allow them to take effect.

Small animals
Small animals - such as rabbits and guinea pigs - living outside should not be forgotten. They can also become very stressed from loud noise. Bring small animals indoors or into an outhouse or garden shed to give them extra protection.

Horses
Horses often bolt from firework noise and become injured. Always make sure horses, ponies and donkeys are stabled while fireworks are being let off. Make sure fireworks are not in view by closing the stable door.

Bonfires
Bonfires can be fatal for wildlife such as hedgehogs, which often crawl in to them to sleep. Build bonfires as late as possible to reduce this risk and make sure you disturb the foundations of the bonfire to give any wildlife a chance to escape before it is lit.

Always clear up after a fireworks party - litter is hazardous to domestic and wild animals.

REMEMBER, REMEMBER - never let off fireworks near animals

If you see an animal in need of help call the RSPCA's cruelty and advice line on 0300 1234 999.

An alternative is to book an appointment with the vet for some valium tablets. These can be very helpful to take the edge off a nervous dog without actually sedating them.

Another medication our vet suggested is Piriton. It's available from all chemists as a 4mg tablet and as it's just an anti-histamine its very safe. It can cause drowsiness in some dogs which in these cases can be a desirable
effect.


Any other hint or tips??