I may need to sedate my dogs tonight....

[Trueblue Texan]

...anybody know how I should do it? Benedryl, hydrocodone? anything safe at home? I got no sleep last night..

[SheltieLover]

1. Not hydrocodone!!!!!

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

2. I have no suggestions, and can only offer sympathy.

My cat is freaked out by the neighborhood fireworks. She's not a cat that responds well to being held or cuddled, so this is hard for her. Interestingly enough, I have a bi-weekly cleaning service (Merry Maids) and she's quite happy with the sound of a vacuum cleaner. Which many cats don't like. But the BOOM of fireworks is something else entirely.

[SheltieLover]

3. Look up benadryl dosing online

Also here is link to home made wrap that is said to work like thunder shirt:

https://www.democraticunderground.com/10181527204

You can also call an emergency vet clinic for benadryl dosing instructions & contraindications.

Another idea is to press firmly, but gently on their sides. Works sort of like thunder shirt or Temple Grandin's cattle press to calm persons with autism.

[Laffy Kat]

8. I second this advice.

Benadryl is safe in the correct dosage.

[SheltieLover]

9. Ty, Laffy

[CountAllVotes]

4. got any valium

.2 mg will do wonders.

I've used it in a pinch

[Silver Gaia]

5. I used a "treat" called Calming Bites made by Zesty Paws tonight.

I gave them each one at around 8 pm (Pacific Time) and they are doing fine, much better than last night. Active ingredients are listed as: hemp seed powder, chamomile, valerian root, passion flower, L-theanine, ginger root, ashwagandha, L-tryptophan, magnesium citrate, and melatonin. I use this brand of treats for some other things as well (like skin allergies, joint pain). Target carries them, and so does Amazon. Overall, they have good reviews. My dogs love them and they do seem to help. It's too late for this year's 4th, but maybe you can try them on New Year's Eve.

[Trueblue Texan]

11. ah man!

I should have thought of valerian root--it smells just like poop and the dog that gets most freaked out by fireworks loves her some poop! She probably would have liked valerian if I'd mixed it with wet food! But the fireworks by individuals were gone before midnight last night. We were able to sleep.

I wonder if I could make some doggie biscuits with valerian to use when they get anxious. I'll have to do some research. Thanks for the info

[Silver Gaia]

12. Glad I could help!

There is info out there on using valerian root with dogs. One of mine is a perpetually anxious rescue and I have given him low doses in tablet form to help him relax when he was younger. I know I read about that on the internet but it was several years ago. I'm sure there's info about it out there, though, and probably recipes for treats. Good luck!

[FakeNoose]

6. First time tonight I used an Ace bandage and wrapped it around my dog

(link) https://www.dogtrainingnation.com/equipment/diy-dog-anxiety-wraps/



This pic isn't my dog, but it shows how my Buddy looked when I wrapped him before the fireworks started. He was fine with it, and it really worked. Buddy was calm and even slept through some of the fireworks.

The linked article tells you how to do the wrap. It's so easy, I can't believe I never heard of this before now. Some Ace bandages come with velcro closure, others have pointy metal clips.

[PortTack]

7. I'm way beyond over the 4th as a holiday!

My one cat is in the closet, the other cowering in the basement. I hate the smell, the noise, the inconsiderate ppl who think it’s okay to shoot off gun powder for hours. What is fun about that? Geez!!

I’ll be hoping for a down pouring rain next year

[Laffy Kat]

10. I'm with you. I was so sure it was going to rain tonight.

The system passed us and it turned into a lovely evening. Unfortunately, it brought out the firework fanatics. I hope my neighbors shooting off the fireworks all have terrible hangovers tomorrow and have to go to work!

[leftyladyfrommo]

13. I use trazadone but someone said dramamine works. nt