My dog is afraid of fireworks. Is there anything I can give my dog to calm it down?

Tablets against anxiety (anxiolytics) can be used in dogs that are very afraid of fireworks. These tablets require a prescription and an examination by a veterinarian because both the heart and brain can be affected by the medication. It is important to confirm your dog is healthy before prescribing the tablets.  If you give your dog anxiolytics you should not leave it alone.

Another thing you can do is to try to spend New Years Eve somewhere calm where it’s not so common with fireworks. Avoid going on walks when fireworks have started going off (if the dog is afraid it will not toilet), put cotton wool in the dog’s ears if it lets you, keep the lights and music/TV on. Make sure your dog feels safe.

 Some dogs work well on for example Zylkene and Adaptil, both of which are natural products that help calm your dog. These can be purchased at your local vets without a prescription and can be used together. It may also be a good idea to contact a good dog trainer or ethologist to help train your dog to accept the racket caused by fireworks.