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‘Valium’ for pets who cower from fireworks
WHILE we all ooh and aah over November the Fifth fireworks, man’s best friend is not so impressed – and is turning to drugs to help get through the Guy Fawkes season.
Vets across Camden have reported a massive rise this year in people bringing in dogs and cats beside themselves with fright following night after night of loud bangs – and are having to prescribe the doggie version of valium.
Ashley Gray, from the Village Vet practice, which has 16 branches across north London, says that each year his practice reports a rise in pet owners looking for emergency help for stressed-out pooches and moggies. This year, his vets have been asked for advice by “a few hundred” owners, and have had to administer strong sedatives to animals with nervous dispositions.
He said: “Every year we have seen a rise in people coming to us asking for help over fireworks season. Dogs and cats simply don’t like it – and we’re often asked for help.
“The season seems to be getting longer, and will no doubt be going on again this weekend.”
The vet has a number of different treatments up his sleeve. They range from a drug that helps pets relax to herbal remedies and a CD of loud bangs, which can be used for training.
He added: “We have sedatives for animals but we also use more natural remedies such as herbal supplements. We can give you CDs that play noises of fireworks and of cars backfiring. You really should start playing it a month before the season starts to get them used to it.”
Other options include a plug-in air freshener-type machine that pumps soothing pheromones into the air and chills cats out.
The effect of the fireworks on animals can be devastating. Some dogs suffer from high blood pressure and lose control of their bowels. Cats tend to flee and hide, and sometimes will not emerge from under the bed or stairs for days. Mr Gray said: “While some animals cope, others can be really damaged.”
Bucking the bangs – YouTube star Jake takes to Guy Fawkes refuge
JAKE the Jack Russell is usually a happy-go-lucky creature, a much-loved member of the Cox family.
The six-year-old likes nothing better than scampering over the Heath after a football – and his skills have not gone unnoticed. Jake showcases his dribbling on internet site YouTube, where he is known as Arsenal Dog, and even appeared on TV in an advert for last year’s FA Cup coverage.
But this month, his owner Tom, a graphic designer from Highgate, witnessed a marked change in Jake. Tom, who with wife Courtney has two young children, said: “The fireworks just drive him crazy, and it got so
bad I had to ask for advice from a vet.”
The vet recommended a small dose of sedatives, but Tom wasn’t sure about dosing up his sprightly little friend and instead has chosen to keep his chum in the downstairs area at home, in the hope that the bangs will be more muffled there.
But he admits he’ll have to consider stronger measures next year as his attempts to keep Jake out of the way have not really worked.
He said: “It got so bad for poor Jake. He howls, shakes, shivers and whimpers – and then starts barking. He gets really agitated. We’ll have to see if the vet has an answer in time for next autumn.” |
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