Firework Fear

Stress and anxiety is a real welfare issue for our pets, set off by stressful events  including moving house, changes at home, travelling etc.  At this time of year we focus on fireworks, which can be a real source of stress for pets and a challenge for owners.  Unfortunately for our furry friends, nowadays, fireworks do not seem to be just for the 5^th November, with them being set off for months of the year.  Recent research suggests sedation is no longer the answer, unless your pet is actively hurting themselves, and training techniques combined with anxiety products if required can improve your pets well-being as the days grow shorter and the firework-filled nights grow longer.

PDSA and Ceva provide some useful information on their websites on how training can help reduce your pet’s stress.  Click on the icons below to check out these websites.

(Please note the links below will take you to external websites and the information on these websites has not been created by Campbell and Galloway Vets)

 

 

As well as these techniques, reducing stress can be aided by some of these products.

Which treatment would be best for your cat?

Feliway – mimics the cat’s natural facial pheromones, creating a state of familiarity and security in the cat’s local environment

Feliway Plug-in – can provide stress reduction in the home over an area of 50-70 metres squared.

Feliway Spray – ideal for travel as it can be sprayed on cat carriers, bedding etc.

Zylkene Capsules – a sprinkable capsule that is given once daily orally, is hypoallergenic and is with your cat at all times.

Scullcap and Valerian Tablets – a herbal product that also works against travel sickness.  Quite quick acting.

Valerian Compound – organic drops that can be given orally or dropped on bedding, can be used as a “top-up” to Scullcap and Valerian tablets

Thundershirt – a slim-fitting jacket that uses gentle, constant pressure to calm your cat

 

Which treatment would be best for your dog?

DAP – releases pheromones similar to the way the mother soothes her puppies.  Comes in a collar, a plug-in and a spray.

DAP collar – is worn at all times by the dog and is warmed by the dog’s body temperature

DAP spray – can be applied directly to objects or areas including bedding, crates etc

Plug in DAP Diffuser – can provide stress reduction in the home over an area of 50-70 metres squared

Stress Relief Now Tablets (NEW!) – Non-pheremone based tablets that provide fast acting relief for up to 4 hours.  Ideal for last minute or short-term relief.

Zylkene – a sprinkable capsule that is given once daily orally, is hypoallergenic and is with your dog at all times

Calmex – a sprinkable capsule that can give a desired effect in 30-60mins.  Can be used as a top-up to other treatments

Scullcap and Valerian Tablets – a herbal product that also works against travel sickness.  Quite quick acting.

Thundershirt – a slim fitting dog jacket that uses gentle, constant pressure to calm your dog.
Call us at Campbell and Galloway on 0141-445-6869 to chat more about fireworks and what you can do to help your pet.

 

See all News | October 14, 2014 | 3:30 pm