My dog has serious anxiety over the fireworks being set off. Medication is too costly. What can i do?

Question

As the fourth of July gets closer, more and more people are setting fireworks off. My dog has been known to throw herself into the door of her cage (and hurt herself badly) because of her anxiety. She is normally a VERY quiet and passive dog. I called the vet and just to bring her in to get sedatives would cost me upwards of $300. I just cant afford it. There has GOT to be a way to help her out without putting me in the poor house. I sincerely hope someone out there has an answer for me because im at my wits end and i just dont know how to help her.

Answer 1

Sedatives WILL NOT cost $300. You need a new vet. Ace is commonly used for Storm and firework anxiety and would cost at most $20. I can understand an office visit if they have not seen the dog in a while. Benadryl can sometimes make dogs alittle sleepy and can be given at 1mg per pound of body weight twice daily.

Answer 2

My dogs are scared of the fireworks too. I don't give them sedatives, in fact some dogs (like boxers) can get serious illness from sedatives so always make sure you are up to date on the best medications for your dog. What worked for me was to let them stay in a small dark room like my bed room. I would cover the windows with the curtains, turn on the TV and give them comfy blankets and treats. I would try to not go in the room because they would get so excited to see me and when combined with them being scared from the noise I was afraid my big dog would jump all over me! Try giving them a cozy area they can feel like they are hiding away from the fireworks. Hope that helps.

Answer 3

$300 to get tranquilizers for your dog, what is the guy, a vet for the rich and famous. My labs have skin conditions, I give them an adult dose of Benadryl for itching (they are both around 100 pounds) and this makes the groggy.

Usually by us the kids with the fireworks start a few days ahead of time. How about everytime it starts you give the dog a treat and play with him. Maybe will associate the sound with fun and treats.

Answer 4

I have a dog with several severe anxieties. We use calming homeopathic remedies, and have had great success. Our local vet has one brand for $15.00, and I have found other brands at pet food stores, or even grocery stores with a natural health section, that run the same or less in cost. It really works - use every 15 minutes at the time the anxiety starts for three or four doses. That's it. Good luck.

Answer 5

Take her where there isnt going to be many fireworks. A quiet park or a friends house that they dont do many fireworks in the neighborhood. Maybe you can keep her in a room and turn a tv or radio really loud to drown out the sounds

Answer 6

Look for another vet. Assuming your dog is in good health, you should be able to decline suggested (expensive) bloodwork. Acepromazine is an inexpensive sedative.

Another option might be to discuss with your vet a possible dose of diphenhydramine or Benadryl. Please do not administer this drug without veterinary counsel.

Answer 7

Go someplace in the mountains on vacation. A place you know will not have fireworks. You both may enjoy the trip and less worries.

Answer 8

There is something called "rescue remedy" that can help calm her, and i think you can get it at health food stores. However, the best thing is to BE with her. If you can't, have a sitter come and be with her. I can't believe a tranq would be THAT expensive -- but we do what we have to for our furry children!!!

Answer 9

call the vet and ask him ,if you can give your dog benadryel
on the night of the fire works so your dog will sleep through it, and not be stressed out .i give it ti my Yorkie-poo for vet visits because he gets stress from the car ride.

Answer 10

don't shoot fireworks around the dog or if they are going off outside turn the TV or radio up! Goodluck