What did you do with your firework phobia dog last night?

For many of you it was a very long night last night. Dogs and fireworks are generally not a good mix. You have not been looking forward to this night for weeks. You feel hopeless because you know the grief fireworks cause your dog. Panting, pacing, wanting to hide...you know the drill but you also don't know how to avoid this oft repeated scenario.

Here is some advise for the next time:

If your veterinarian prescribed Acepromazine, find a new doctor for your dog. Acepromazine has been used for storms and fireworks (among other things) for years but what we now know is that it is not an anti-anxiety drug. Acepromazine is a tranquilizer which means it is keeping your dog from reacting....in other words, he is still terrified, he just can't tell you. Not the best way to treat this.
While under the effect of Acepromazine,your dog may be quiet and calm but inside he/she's fear and anxiety is not only still present but may be even worse due to the fact that Acepromazine creates a disconnect with reality and it prevents the dog from understanding his environment in a logical manner. This entire experience couldn't get any worse for this poor animal.
Veterinarian's (with the guidance of Veterinary behaviorists) now prefer the use of drugs in the Valium and Xanax family. These drugs actually reduce anxiety and fear. They kick in quickly (within 30 minutes to 2 hours after giving it to your pet. Your dog will be sedated, his/her muscles are relaxed and their fear and anxiety is greatly reduced or eliminated.

Something else to think about is trying to desensitize your pet. This can be tricky but very affective so I recommend finding a board-certified veterinary behaviorist. You can find one on the American College of Veterinary Behaviorist's website.

You can also talk to your general practitioner veterinarian or behaviorist about anxiety body wraps. A body wrap looks like a shirt for your dog but it is very snug. It applies pressure on acupressure points that can relieve stress and end/lessen fears and anxieties in dogs. Thundershirt is one brand. Another is Anxiety Wrap.

Whatever you decide to do, do something. Don't go through another day/night like yesterday. Get proactive and help your dog for the next day he/she has a high anxiety day!


Keep your dogs safe and happy and always Keep Wagging!

Monique