Did I ever tell the story of the time we took Harry (our dog) to the gun range to see if he would work out as a hunting dog for Dave? We had just adopted him from the SPCA and he had already shown great prowess as a rodent hunter, so we thought we'd give it a shot. He was so utterly petrified by the sound of the gun that we actually thought we'd lost him!
It turned out he was just hiding. Dave would turn around to look for the dog and poor little Harenzo was so terrified that he huddled so closely behind Dave's feet that no matter which direction Dave turned, he couldn't see the dog. Needless to say, we discovered that Harry is no fan of firearms. It probably had something to do with the tiny shotgun pellet we had removed from his chin when we first got him, but he even cowers in the corner if Dave so much as CLEANS a gun.
Anyway, this is a long way of saying that we're two nights into the legal 9AM-11PM fireworks and the dog is not a happy camper. The moment the blasts start going off in the neighborhood, his ears go up and he lunges toward the nearest adult for shelter. I keep reassuring him that everything is okay, but he's a dog! He has no idea what I'm saying.
Tonight was really bad. The next door neighbors were shooting off something loud in their backyard and Harry jumped onto my lap.
Where he promptly began the BARF MANEUVER.
Fortunately I was able to get him out the back door before he set off his own fireworks, but man. The poor dog got so upset that he threw up his entire dinner! I feel terrible for him. It's like he's being forced to relive his abusive puppyhood.
We had actually been planning to buy some fireworks to set off on the fourth, but I hadn't considered what we'd do with Harry. What's the doggy dose for Xanax?
Get some Rescue Remedy, I know Whole Foods has it but TJs might as well. Noah also hates the fireworks so we give him a dropper of RR and stick him in our closet with the door closed, lighs off and radio on. Works every time.
Posted by: megan | June 30, 2008 at 10:55 PM
My dog hates fireworks too. Tranquility Blend Herbal Tincture is something my vet suggested for her. It's not a prescription but you may have to get it from your vet.
Posted by: Tracey | June 30, 2008 at 11:02 PM
We have given our dog children's benadryl for itchy allergies and it does make her sleepy. (Our dog is allergic to grass - I KNOW!) Anyway, we dose according to her weight, just like you would a child. You might combine the benadryl with the closet/radio idea???
Posted by: 1hot&tiredmama | July 01, 2008 at 04:27 AM
My mom has given her cats amitriptyline to help them "chill out".
Poor Harry!
Posted by: Abby | July 01, 2008 at 04:38 AM
Our dog, who was never abused, always hides when fireworks go off. The strange thing is that she never hides in her normal hiding places, like under the bed. We always find her in the strangest places. My husband says it is because she is afraid that the squirrels have armed themselves with fireworks and they won't find her in unusual hiding spots.
Posted by: Rebecca | July 01, 2008 at 06:27 AM
The vet has sedatives that they can give you. My parents' dogs are the same way and my dad just starts dosing them up every day starting July 1.
Posted by: Kerri | July 01, 2008 at 06:29 AM
The vet can actually give you something to put in his water to calm his nerves. It might be worth looking into or it could be a REALLY long week!!
Posted by: Heather | July 01, 2008 at 07:36 AM
I would definitely talk to your vet about a mild sedative for Harry. Allowing him to suffer during all of this (esp. when you could prevent it) is just mean. Hope everything goes well!
Posted by: Jamie | July 01, 2008 at 07:52 AM
Our beagle hated fireworks. We got a prescription from the vet for diazapam. Which is the generic brand of valium. Worked very well. Didn't make him sleepy just calm. The joke was if it didn't work for Bosley, I could take the prescription and be just fine!
Posted by: Karen | July 01, 2008 at 08:37 AM
Benadryl works great in a pinch. The dosing for animals is 1/2mg per lb. every 8 hours. My dog got stung by a bee and I was shocked by the amount of benadryl my vet prescribed. It reduced the swelling and she chilled out all day! Good luck.
Posted by: Jenni | July 01, 2008 at 09:32 AM
Poor puppy! I definitely think it's worth talking to the vet to see if you can get something for him, especially since the barfing incident.
Posted by: Rachael | July 01, 2008 at 10:33 AM
I LOVE how your puppy has several different names. :) We once had a cat named Katso who was also known as Bitty Batso, Kitty Katso, etc. etc. etc. It shows the love!
Posted by: alison | July 01, 2008 at 03:18 PM