Any tips for drugs to keep dogs calm on firework night?

[HangerLaneGyratorySystem]

Or natural remedies if they work, I don't mind, just want him to have a better experience this year. He's 6 now and it seems to be worrying him more not less, previous years we just sit and stroke him but last year was pretty distressed. Can I get something from the vet or online?

I’d speak to your vet in the first instance. There’s lots of naturals, Dorwest do a good one (valerian compound) which might be worth looking at.

id also plug in an adaptil diffuser a few days before

In addition, don't forget that Classic FM often put especially soothing music on Bonfire Night which might help to distract him.

Our vet gives us a prescription for dog valium for one of our dogs, this year we are going to take her away because it's getting worse every year and the valium doesn't really work anymore.

premierperformance.uk/product/k9-calming-cookies-new/

I've been using those and they really do seem to help - my neighbours are doing building work with a lot of banging and it was driving my poor dog mad! A full one makes him a bit sleepy, half just makes him chill and able to relax rather than winding himself up because there was a noise!

Mine have chilled out over the years, but what we used to do is closed windows and curtains and either white noise or the radio/tv and safe spaces in the house. Also, it can start early, but try to get them out for a toilet before it all kicks off, as mine would refuce to go out once it began, poor things. Our own behaviour, showing calm unconcerned behaviours can help. One of mine really liked to be brushed so we'd sit with her and brush her ears whilst playing white noise.It may not last forever, my oldies are now happy to sit in the window and watch the fireworks with us, which is good training for the younger one.

You could also try something like www.amazon.co.uk/derYEP-DHP03-Earmuffs-Hearing-Protection/dp/B09LLW97M2/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?adgrpid=112923200545&gclid=CjwKCAjws--ZBhAXEiwAv-RNL4iV0Mr41B6sOvKu3kFvRHVcfgQ-uSpxzjjBSzNB8bsgEIc-qnjnTRoCdScQAvD_BwE&hvadid=578556263210&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=9046823&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=4908426062079587232&hvtargid=kwd-499457372804&hydadcr=24167_2250228&keywords=dog+ear+muffs+uk&qid=1664899758&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjAwIiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sr=8-8

I saw something called Quiet Ears.

I just used a scarf, looped over her head, covering her ears and under her chin - made a massive difference last year.

There also used to be a video on YouTube produced with a pet insurance company narrated by David Tennant, that my old boy loved. I can’t find it now but if someone else knows what I mean they may have it book marked somewhere

The vets have some tablets. Ours are herbal ones, he was really happy and sleepy after it, sure he was high!

he was happy though, exceptionally happy 😂

You also need to look into training. Unfortunately, by petting and stoking them whilst on high alert you have reinforced the notion that the noises are something of which to be scared.

Do you use a crate? Crate train your dog so they have a "safe" space.

If you normally take them for an hour walk a day, start taking them for at least 2 from now every day. I tired dog will not be so bothered or hyper alert.

I am also dreading this. My dog is 4 and gets worse every year with the fireworks. He just shakes uncontrollably the whole evening. He is crate trained, he is a lap dog, but nothing helps him. Even worse, the fireworks here go over about 5-6 days and so on the 2nd and subsequent days, it's not just a question of getting over a nasty noise, he knows what's coming and just won't stop shaking.

One of mine used to be under the bed drooling and shaking for hours. Since we started using adaptil collars on him during late October/ early November (and then again over Christmas/ New Year) plus some Skullcap and Valerian tablets on the worst nights he will sit on the sofa and recovers really quickly

A few bits of misinformation on this thread.

Noise phobias usually get worse as dogs age unfortunately.

Most "natural" remedies will not make a lot of difference with a dog with a phobia of fireworks. They do need to be started early to have any effect so start them asap.

You cannot reinforce fear so it is fine and recommended to stroke and comfort your dog

A tired dog with firework phobia will still be very frightened and knackered but still very frightened.

Sileo is a drug that can be used for noise phobias - do speak to your vet about what is most suitable for your dog.

Thank you all. I have actually tried the scarf wrapped round the head; photos were good but it didn’t help him!

Thanks to everyone - lots of things to consider and I appreciate people taking the time to post.

The naturals, classic fm etc do fuck all for my dog, he's not scared, he's trying to protect us. My vet doesn't like to prescribe tranquillisers but I'm going to ask again next week. He's old, and diabetic so blood sugars go mental with over excitement.