Transcript
Top Tips by Karen Wild BA (Hons) ABIPDT APBC Dip App Psych
Pet Behaviour Counsellor
Create a haven
It is best to create a safe, quiet space for them to hide, and teach them to go there long beforehand. Create a den, away from windows and doors, insulated by blankets, and start feeding your pet in there, playing and stroking them. They can then feel cosy, happy, warm and safe when the scary sounds start.
All noises are good noises
Fireworks explode without warning, and your poor pet must feel like they are suddenly under attack! There is no point trying to explain human traditions. Get a recording of fireworks sounds, even the shrill whistles, easily obtainable on CD or free on the internet. Play these at very low volume at first and only do this at times when you are playing with or feeding your pet. Look for only a tiny reaction, and only when your pet settles should you increase the volume a tiny amount. Teach your pet that all noises are good noises!
Be happy, jolly, and reassuring
There is no need to become anxious yourself, even if your pet is feeling very upset and worried when the fireworks start. Instead, stay calm and allow your pet to seek cuddles if he wishes – you won’t make anything worse with a cuddle, but if you worry, your pet will worry too. Why not play his favourite game, or feed his favourite food? Be happy and jolly, keep the house noises the same (only loud enough to drown out the noise). Give your pet the chance to join in, but if he would rather just sit on your knee, or hide in his haven (see our previous tip) then decide that maybe he knows what is best to settle himself down.
Firework Phobia?
90.4%
would recommend Scullcap & Valerian tablets to a friend for noise phobia
“Without these tablets our dog would not go out for walks for a good two weeks either side of Firework night. Last year I used the Scullcap and Valerian Tablets and we managed to get him out for a walk on several days. They also kept him calmer when the fireworks were going off outside”
NO FEAR!
(Statistic and testimonial from Dorwest Firework Email survey of 97 people, July 2013)
You can buy Scullcap and Valerian Tablets and Valerian Compound from veterinary practices, pet shops or on-line at www.dorwest.com Herbal medicines made by Dorwest Herbs have been accredited a veterinary licence because of their high quality and purity. Not all herbal treatments are of similar quality. Do ask your vet for advice if you are not sure that the herbal medicine you are giving your pet is safe and effective. To find vets and pet shops stocking products from Dorwest Herbs, please send an email to
[email protected] or call us on 01308 897272 for help and advice. Always speak to your vet if you are concerned about the health or wellbeing of your pet.
Available from:
Last minute tips
• Remember to walk your dog earlier in the day, and shut your cat indoors before it gets dark. • Ensure they have a well fitting collar with identification • Provide extra-tasty food, toys, and toilet breaks for your pet, and be prepared to stay with them. • Heavy curtains or blankets at the windows, and along the bottom of doors to block sound, and of course, if you normally listen to the Radio or watch TV, turn it up a bit (warn the neighbours, perhaps)! • As always if you are particularly worried, consult your Vet who can refer you to a professional behaviourist for help.
@dorwest
A guide to naturally managing your pet’s firework phobia
Dorwest
Dorwest Herbs Ltd, Shipton Gorge, Bridport, Dorset UK DT6 4LP Tel: 01308 897272 Fax: 01308 897929 www.dorwest.com
[email protected]
Est. 1948
Firework Phobia? No Fear!
Scullcap and Valerian Tablets
Wouldn’t it be great if your pet stayed calm and collected as fireworks go off outside? Dorwest Herbs has the perfect formula to help them forget their fears.
A veterinary herbal medicine (classification AVM-GSL). It relieves anxiety, nervousness and excitability in pets.
What is a phobia? Many cats and dogs are afraid of loud noises. Some may go on to develop a phobia, which means they experience an extreme reaction to a particular stimulus or trigger, such as noise. Phobias get worse over time and most pets don’t tend to ‘grow out of’ a phobia. At what point does your pet’s fear become a phobia? Look out for these signs: Extreme reactions - shaking, salivating or toileting in the house, howling, destructiveness or hiding, cowering or running away Becoming more scared the longer the noise goes on Remaining afraid long after the noise has stopped
Where herbal products can help Herbal products are very effective in reducing anxiety by calming and relaxing dogs and cats naturally. They are widely used over the firework period, with millions of doses being sold every year. A popular choice with virtually no side effects, they do not totally sedate pets but enable them to relax and not be concerned about the noises that would normally cause fear and distress.
Dosing Instructions Dogs and cats need 1 tablet for every 5kg they weigh. The dose should be split morning and night. So if your pet weighs 10kg they will need 2 tablets – 1 is given in the morning and 1 at night. You can give double this amount when the fireworks are at their worst, giving the second dose 2 hours before dusk and this double dose can be given for as long as it is necessary.
Organic Valerian Compound A liquid that acts quickly, in around 30 minutes when given by mouth. Cats will take this on food, into their mouths or will lick it off their paw. A few drops placed on bedding can also help calm your cat. Valerian Compound is ideal for dogs too and should be given by mouth. This supplement can be given in addition to Scullcap and Valerian Tablets as a top-up for especially frightening events.
How soon before Fireworks Night do I need to start? For Severe Phobias: One Month to go BUY Scullcap & Valerian Tablets and/or Valerian Compound. They sell fast at this time of year, so don’t wait for your vet or local pet shop to sell out! Pets with severe phobias will benefit from being given Scullcap & Valerian Tablets three to four weeks before the event.
For Moderate Phobias: Ten days to go Start giving Scullcap & Valerian Tablets twice daily, every day now Read Karen Wild’s Top Tips on the next page and put these into place, especially creating a safe haven for your pet!
One Day to go
Giving the Right Amount For cats: A few drops on bedding and a further ¼ teaspoonful by mouth or in food when fireworks are severe.
Even if you haven’t given any Scullcap & Valerian Tablets before today, you should still notice some benefit from giving them now. You can give double the normal dose when fireworks are at their worst, ensuring that the second dose of the day is given two hours before dusk.
For dogs: By mouth or in food – small dogs ¼ teaspoonful, medium dogs ½ teaspoonful, large dogs 1 teaspoonful, giant breeds 1- 1½ teaspoonfuls.
On the Big Day
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Scullcap & Valerian Tablets, even if started this late can provide some benefit. If you own a cat, drop some Valerian Compound on the bedding. Valerian Compound is also useful to give cats and dogs by mouth, in case an especially loud noise warrants a ‘top-up’. If your cat is normally out during the day and doesn’t return until dusk, consider whether you should keep them in all day, to avoid them being frightened by early fireworks. Walk your dog mid-afternoon, rather than after dark. Bring your pet’s feeding time forward by around an hour to settle them earlier than usual, without hugely interrupting the normal routine.
