We know from personal experience how distressing it can be when your dog is afraid of loud bangs. With 'fireworks season' becoming longer and less predictable, knowing how to calm your dog during fireworks is more challenging than ever. The good news is that there are steps you can take to help your four-legged friend and restore calm in your home during this time.
So, back to the question. How to calm your dog during fireworks? Preparation is key. If you know your dog is afraid of fireworks, it’s a good idea to start planning ahead. Ideally, you should do this at least a month in advance and especially if they have a severe phobia. During this time, giving our Scullcap & Valerian Tablets for Dogs daily can help naturally relax your pet so they are in a calmer state when the scary noises start. Best results are seen when used alongside gentle and consistent behavioural training (e.g. noise desensitisation programmes).
Don’t worry if you’re reading this just a few days before bonfire night though – noise phobia in dogs is common and it’s never too late to help your pet with their fireworks fear. A lot of the things that you can do to support your pet can still be implemented. So even if you start our Scullcap & Valerian anxiety tablets for dogs now, your pet will still reap the benefits.
Naturally dial down your pet’s fireworks fear
Learn how to calm your dog during fireworks (for severe phobias). If your dog is scared of fireworks, here are some tips on how to support them:
1 MONTH to go
Anxiety remedies for dogs can work on the most severe of phobia cases. We recommend giving them our Dorwest Scullcap & Valerian Tablets daily, starting now. And not to fear, these anxiety tablets for dogs are completely natural and chemical free!
Desensitise
Consider starting a firework desensitisation programme now. This will gently get your pet used to fireworks sounds and help reduce their fear.
10 DAYS to go (For moderate phobias):
- Start giving Dorwest Scullcap & Valerian daily.
- Create a safe place - A pet crate covered with a heavy blanket, containing treats, favourite toys and a water bowl provides a nice hidey-hole for a pet to escape to. Give your pet time to get used to it and never force them to go in.
ONE DAY to go
- Double dose - If necessary, double the dose of our Dorwest Scullcap & Valerian Tablets (or start giving it now – it’s never too late!).
- ID check- Make sure your pet’s microchip details are up to date and they are wearing a collar with an ID tag. If they escape, they can be quickly and safely returned. Noise phobia in dogs can make them act erratically, so it’s best to have the safety net encase this occurs.
The BIG DAY
On the big day, you should continue to give our Dorwest Scullcap & Valerian for dogs at a higher rate. Just remember to give the evening tablet(s) before dusk.
- Take them for an early walk - Go for a long walk earlier in the day while it’s still light – before the bangs start!
- Act normal - Be a good example by remaining calm yourself. Stay with your pet to reassure them with your presence and respond to their signs of fear with calming words but try to behave as normally as possible. Dog anxiety can make them act in different ways. Remember, the first step in knowing how to calm your dog during fireworks is to keep an eye on any signs they’re experiencing anxiety. This will help you determine how to act and the dose you should use.
- Keep the noise out - The background noise from TVs and radios can help provide a simple solution for noise phobia in dogs (don’t be tempted to turn them up above normal though). Make sure windows are firmly covered and all external doors are shut.
Top Tip
Split the daily recommended number of Dorwest Scullcap & Valerian Tablets across AM and PM and double this amount on the day that a scary event is anticipated. Don’t forget to have our Valerian Compound for Dogs ready to give as a fast-acting top-up, if needed.What is it that they say about ‘the best-laid plans’…? For situations where you are ‘caught-out’, for example, thunderstorms or an unexpected fireworks display, our liquid Valerian Compound for Dogs is a great short-term and quicker-acting option. If you have a fearful cat, they especially love it if a few drops are placed on a cloth wherever they sleep, to help them relax. Dorwest Valerian Drops can also be used alongside Scullcap & Valerian Tablets for a ‘top-up’ if needed.
Trusted by pet owners for over 50 years, the active herbs in both of these products help to naturally support the calming pathways within the nervous system. This reduces your dog’s anxiety without immobilising muscles or causing drowsiness. They don’t make pets dopey or wobbly. In fact, our anxiety remedies for dogs are widely used for agility and show dogs when they need to be alert and focussed, but calm.
We have received so many lovely testimonials about how our Scullcap & Valerian range has helped restore calm in households that were often ruled by their four-legged family members’ anxiety and fear. So, we really hope they can help you and your pet get through fireworks season stress-free too! Anxiety and noise phobia in dogs is a common issue many pet owners will experience; we can all agree that it’s never nice to see your dog feeling anxious. But if you haven’t already tried our natural anxiety remedies for dogs, now’s the time!
Find out more about how to calm your dog during fireworks night or get in touch with one of our experienced advisors to learn more about our Scullcap and Valerian for dogs. Call us on 01308 897272 or use our contact form. Plus, get free UK delivery on orders over £50!
Please remember, you should always consult a vet if you are concerned about your pet’s health.
