my dog is a fraid of fireworks. What can I do to help keep her calm?

Question

Are there any over-the-counter medications for keeping her calm? The vet is closed today.

Answer 1

my dog has the same prob.....what I do is hold him in my lap and pet him and talk to him....that works with my dog.....but I have had him for 7 years I dont no how long you had your dog if you just got your dog try that any way.......just hold you dog gently close to your body and talk to him/her like you would a little baby..........if you leave your dog inside alone then that would make him/her more scaird DONT DO THAT

Answer 2

Fear of loud noises including fireworks, thunder and cars that backfire can cause dogs to seriously injure themselves or to pannick and run away. Dogs hear five times greater than we do and super loud noises can be terrifying. It is not a funny matter.

There are some things you can do to minimize your dog's reaction, including pre-conditioning. Get an audio tape of loud firecrackers and other noises. Bring your dog inside where there are fewer distractions and play the audio tape for a few minutes. Start the first day by playing the sound effects of fireworks including firecrackers so they are barely audible. Each day for as long as ten days or more, gradually increase the volume slightly, then increase it a little more the next day, and so on. During each session, be calm and reassuring while the noises play. Stroke your dog and say "Good girl." If a dog is frightened by thunder, the same technique should be used.

When the volume finally reaches loud, your dog should be able to tolerate the noise if you are there and reassuring. Don't prolong the audio play too long. It won't be necessary.

In addition to pre-conditioning, contact your vet about doggy ear plugs. They can help on July Fourth. And it is a very good idea to bring your dog inside on noisy holidays where sounds like firecrackers are diminished and where you can be with your dog and reassure her.

Answer 3

Unless your dog is injured or is being treated for an illness..medications are not the answer. My chow freaks out also. Keep your puppy dog in doors away from the fireworks. Or make arrangements to have a responsible person watch the dog temporary at a different location.

Answer 4

Leave her in the house. It's alwayst better not to use drugs if you don't have to. Also, depending on how big the dog is, you could have someone hold her in their lap while you shoot the fireworks (if you're going to be away from home when you're shooting them). That will comfort her and let her know that the fireworks won't hurt her.

Still, the best solution is probably to just leave her in the house.

Answer 5

It's always best to keep pets inside the house around 4th of July. They get sppoked very easily, and even if you think you have a handle on them if you take them outside, they can surprise you with their strength when they want to flee.

When pets get spooked by fireworks, they can run into streets and get hit by cars. The best solution is just avoid the possibility of them being outside entirely and keep them indoors--no matter how much they want to go out.

Answer 6

We contacted our vet and she prescribed a sedative, I forget the name but it works for fireworks and thunderstorms also

Answer 7

Very little. All you can do is try to comfort her and keep her in a place as far from the noise as you can.

Answer 8

just be there with her you can calm her down talk to her while the fireworksmake noise you will see that your trust is better then any drugs.

Answer 9

try benidril Sorry dont know how to spell it but it should calm her nerves work on my dog.

Answer 10

keep her indoors and ask your vet for a mild sedative