Tips on how to calm dogs during fireworks

Help and Advice
tips to calm dogs during fireworks

Top Tips on how to calm dogs during fireworks

Halloween and Bonfire night are popular events leading up to the Christmas season with fireworks going off this can be a difficult time for pet owners, who are often at home with their dogs or cats. 

As fireworks go off during the day and night, your pets may be startled or upset by the loud noises. Here are some of our tips on how to keep your four-legged friends safe when fireworks are going off.

  • Don’t walk them during the evening. Avoid times when fireworks are likely to be going off.

  • Keep windows and curtains closed to reduce the sound of the fireworks

  • Use the radio or tv to mask the fireworks sound

  • Make a space specifically for your dog or cat to relax in so they feel in control.

  • Make some spaces around the house that your pet can hide in.

  • Never tell your pet off for being scared this will only make them feel more anxious

  • Have your pet microchipped just in case they escape

  • It’s fine to cuddle and comfort your pet if it helps them relax. 

  • Keep external doors and windows closed so your pet doesn’t try and escape which could result in an injury and further stress.

  • Small animals can be partly covered with blankets to help reduce the noise.

  • Add some extra bedding so they can burrow

  • If they are outside animals, consider bringing them inside 

  • Plan ahead

Is there anything I can give my pet to help them relax?

A great way of helping your pet calm over the firework season is to use Herbal remedies which can help to keep your dog or cat relaxed and in control without sedation or affecting their normal behaviour.

At The Pet Centre we have a range of Scullcap and Valerian Tablets or a Valerian Compound which uses Specially selected active herbs which work together to help reduce stress, fear and anxiety in pets. 

How do the Scullcap & Valerian Tablets work?

We recommend that owners give Scullcap and Valerian Tablets for moderate phobias daily ten days before, for severe phobias start one month before.

It is best used as a course. For Dogs and cats you can give them 1 tablet for every 5kg bodyweight per day, ideally split morning and night.

When a stressful situation is at its worst, this amount can be doubled.

How does the Valerian Compound work?

The Valerian Compound contains pure extracts of three herbs in liquid form, which ensure it acts within just 30 minutes. It can be used  for unplanned events and especially frightening ‘one-off’ situations, and as an addition to Scullcap & Valerian Tablets as a ‘top-up’

For Dogs it can be administered by mouth or in food.

Small dogs: 1/4 tsp
Medium dogs: 1/2 tsp
Large dogs: 1 tsp
Giant breeds: 1 – 1 1/2 tsp

For Cats it can be administered with a few drops on bedding and a further 1/4 tsp by mouth or in food when fireworks are severe, or in other stressful situations.

calm dogs during fireworks
calm dogs during fireworks

What’s in these Dorwest herbal remedy products for pets?

What is Valerian – Both

Supports the natural relaxant pathways within the nervous system, without affecting muscle tone.

What is Vervain – Compound only

It is commonly used to help ease anxiety by restoring the nervous system.

What is Mistletoe – Both

Supports the natural calming pathways within the nervous system and helps circulation

What is Scullcap – Tablets only

Contains a number of valuable compounds, including those which bind to the GABA receptor and reduce anxiety.

What is Gentain – Tablets only

Supports the other natural active compounds and helps maintain normal liver function

What specialist vet Holly Mash says about Dorwest products

There’s no reason that Fireworks needs to be a nightmare for your pet. With the right herbal support and behavioural strategies, you can help them to stay calm and relaxed as the bangs begin.

Whether they are a quivering wreck or just a little unsettled, giving your anxious dog or cat Scullcap & Valerian Tablets or liquid Valerian Compound from Dorwest Herbs can help them to cope on Bonfire Night.

Scullcap and valerian are traditional herbs that have been used for centuries as ‘nervines’ to help settle and soothe the nervous system. Using herbs, rather than pharmaceutical sedatives is a gentler approach to helping your pet to stay calm.

It’s not only the overtly anxious pets that can benefit from a helping hand on Bonfire night. Dogs, and especially cats, often hide the sign that they are feeling frightened. Giving these individuals some herbal support can help the to feel more relaxed and better able to cope on Bonfire night.

This is also a good strategy to help prevent noise phobia’s from occurring in future. These herbs work with the body, strengthening the nervous system and helping your pet to develop calm responses and to reduce their anxiety. Scientific research has shown that active flavonoids, (plant chemicals), in both these herbs help to support the ‘feel good’ brain chemicals, helping to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Phytochemicals within these two herbs act to positively reinforce the actions of Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a key inhibitory neurotransmitter within the central nervous system.

Lastly, it’s important to use herbal supports alongside the right behavioural strategies to help your pet to stay as calm and relaxed as possible on November 5th.

Have a safe and anxiety free Bonfire night!

For pets who are sensitive to loud noises, the Fireworks season can be a stressful time. Luckily there is help for you and your furry friends!

The Dorwest herbal remedies we make here at The Pet Centre will calm your pet during this hectic season. Order them today so they’ll arrive in time for the festivities. Your dog or cat will thank you later!  We’re always looking for new ideas to share with our customers (and their four-legged companions) and we can’t recommend enough how excited we are to now supply these great products.

Order today to avoid disappointment – Order Valerian Compound

[button link=”https://www.thepetcentre.co.uk/product/scullcap-valerian-tablets-200/” newwindow=”yes”] Scullcap & Valerian Tablets 200[/button]

[button link=”https://www.thepetcentre.co.uk/product/organic-valerian-compound-30ml/” newwindow=”yes”] Organic Valerian Compound 30ml[/button]

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