Dogs & Fireworks

[choux]

Has anyone got experience of using Sileo gel on their dog(s) to reduce stress caused by loud fireworks? I understand that it is only available on vet's prescription

https://www.viovet.co.uk/Sileo-01-mgml-oromucosal-gel-for-dogs/c35581/

The 5 reviews on the link above are encouraging but I would be interested if any here has used it. Thank you.

[woofgang]

I bought some but never managed to use it. Its action is of quite short duration and it needs to be syringed down the side of the dogs mouth to be in contact with the gums for it to work. Ok when the dog is calm but not when firework hell is breaking loose. Its also eyewateringly expensive, which isn’t a dealbreaker but certainly is a consideration. Mine get xanax on prescription which works well, I also use melatonin which works well for less intense events of longer duration, like having noisy workmen around the house. Yes its prescription only.

[woofgang]

Oh and its risky to get on your own skin as it gets absorbed...I can’t remember what the issue is now but you are supposed to use disposable gloves with it.

[choux]

Thanks for your reply, woofgang. I would pay the price several times over if it was an effective way of dealing with the stress caused by damn fireworks.

[woofgang]

Have you tried melatonin or talked to your vet about xanax?

[tamborine]

Tonight early hours I will test my personal & car alarms around my 'kin neighbors who have been firing out cannon type fireworks. Much cheaper than vet pet medications!

[woofgang]

Great idea but how does that help your pet?

[tamborine]

pets are used to alarm sounds & mine will be secured.

[tamborine]

Ive complained to cops but they say "theres nothing they can do about fireworks". My neighbors aint gonna sleep tight tonite ;)

[woofgang]

No, I meant how does that help your pet when the fireworks are going off?

[DTCwordfan]

keep them in the quietest room that you have, close the curtains and, if necessary as the curtains are too thin, put something up to cut the light out....

[Vagus]

Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter what you give them or what you do, but some dogs will always be terrified of the noise of fireworks.
Our previous dog was one of them, she shivered and shook at even the most far away noise despite all kinds of tranquillisers from the vet.
Our current dog sleeps through it all, maybe lifts his head occasionally, looks at us, and then goes back to sleep.
It is very distressing isn’t it Choux but I really don’t think there’s an answer for some dogs, it’s just the way they’re made unfortunately.

[woofgang]

Vagus, had you tried Xanax and or melatonin with your old dog?

[jazzyjen]

I’ve never had a dog so this suggestion may be totally “barking” but would it be possible to cover the dogs ears in some way? perhaps with a sort of hood or blanket? Depending on where you are it may be necessary to do it for a few nights.

[woofgang]

Its not crazy and it does help some dogs but sadly not mine....and its more than a few nights. Round here firework use started last weekend and will continue randomly until new year. The unscheduled ones are the hardest to deal with. Much much harder to deal with a panicking dog than to pre empt the panic.

[woofgang]

here's this years .gov petition. I know it could be worded better but it sends the same message. Again, I can't imagine it leading directly to better control over firework use but I think getting good numbers every year sends the message that this is an issue that concerns many thousands of people who won't be giving up any time soon.
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/276425

[pixie374]

I really can't help, but I hope you all find a workable solution. I have never had a dog that is the slightest bit bothered by fireworks, so I only know how bad it can be from posts here. Good luck xx

[woofgang]

pixie you could sign the petition?

[pixie374]

I will now x

[pixie374]

Done x

[choux]

I have had several dogs who did not appreciate fireworks but my one old girl is totally stressed by them. I have tried certain meds for her but not as woofgang suggests. A good friend has got the Sileo this year which is why I posted, just waiting to see how effective it is for her dogs. (I already have a box of CSI gloves in readiness!)

I always do the most calming things I can for the dog but, as Vagus suggests, she is impervious to any methods employed on her behalf.

Last year I wrote to my MP who did send me a hand written reply telling me I was the only dog-owner who had raised the matter with him in 2018 and, therefore, he would do nothing.

Tambo - I do so hope your early morning foray was successful and thank you for giving me the only smile on what I consider to be a dreadful topic.