Fireworks - Advice/Tips?

[Jaime + Oliver]

This is our first 4th of July with Oliver.  He's a 1yr old, very noise sensitive, furball.  Fireworks have been going off in our neighborhood every night since Saturday and poor little pup is not happy.  I'm already feeling stress about Friday.  We've tried to treat and give generous praise when he hears the noises, but when we miss a "bang" or a "boom" Oliver freaks out.  Any good tips/advice from seasoned dog owners on how to make it less stressful (for us & the dog)?

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

One of our past Goldens was extremely sensitive to loud noises...Thunder and fireworks, were her worst fears.  The Vet recommended either Bachs Rescue Remedy( animal version) or plain ole Melatonin, to help take the edge off.Both worked equally well.  I actually preferred the Bachs, since you can NOT overdose it.

[Lynda Kamrath]

Yes, get out of town to an area where there probably won't be fireworks.  You may have to look around to find a place that does not have any fireworks.  My dogs hate it, but these two now are not too scared of them.  Our poodle and first two doodles were terrified.

[Jaime + Oliver]

Oh how I wish that was an option!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Have you tried the Thundershirt? It doesn't work for every dog, but it might be worth a shot.

I had a schnoodle many years ago who was absolutely terrified of fireworks. She would tremble so hard I was afraid she was going to have a seizure. Refused to go outdoors at all. I tried all the "natural remedies" and they didn't do one bit of good. I ended up putting her on mild tranquilizers for a few days before and after the 4th, and that took the edge off enough for her to survive the holiday. 

[Jaime + Oliver]

We've tried natural remedies for other noise instances and not had too much luck either.  Based on how/what he reacts to I wasn't sure the Thundershirt will help with the immediate reaction but might help him calm down afterward.  I've given it a lot of thought and should just go for it.  Worst case it doesn't help, right?  :)

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

We did use the thundershirt for Yogi, but not for fireworks. It was more for separation anxiety. It definitely helped!

[Jaime + Oliver]

Did you feel the sizing was pretty accurate?  It looks like it's by weight range.

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

Yes, it was accurate.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

Make sure all doors and windows are closed.  TV or music on to mask as much noise as possible and just go about your normal routine.  Don't act as if there is anything to be nervous or worried about.  Don't try and reassure him (as hard as that is I know) as that will only make it worse.  Play games in the house if possible.  

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I agree with this advice and I'd also try a few days of an anti anxiety med. 

[Carole]

We have a thunder shirt and various natural remedies.  None have helped too much.  I hate to do it, but I am thinking we might need some anti anxiety medicine.  Shiloh's fear has just gotten worse over the years.  She is terrified of fireworks and thunder.  It is hard to imagine how anti anxiety medicine would be any worse than her fear, trembling, and panting for hours.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

IMO, (and there are many vets who agree) the short term tranquilizers like alprazolam (Xanax) work very well for fireworks-induced anxiety, and you can use them on an as-needed basis for a couple of days. 

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=2581