Expert: Silva Mirovics - 11/6/2007

Question
hi, please could you pass me details on the dosage i should be giving my dog who is getting herself in a frightfull  terrified state due to fireworks, she is a staffy of 25kg ihave tabs of 500mg and also tincture. this is my last hope as DAP off the vets had no effect.

Answer
HI Sharon,
Thunderstorms and fireworks cause a lot of distress to animals.  If giving her Valerian, I would either give her the children's strength dose (or 1/4 of adult dose) of either the tablets or tincture.  The tincture would take effect at a faster rate than the tablets.  Care should always be taken not to dose her too highly - if she gets drowsy this could be very very dangerous for her.
We have herbal blends that calm animals, and there are also many homeopathic remedies available for this.
You may also like to keep some Bach Flower Rescue Remedy, or Australian Bush Flower Emergency Essence on hand to give her at these times.  You can start her off on this in the morning of the fireworks (4 drops in mouth every 4 hours) and continue until the next day.
Another great remedy for this type of fear is the Bach Flower remedy combination of Mimulus and Rock Rose.  You can easily purchase these two little bottles from a health food store.  I would start giving her this combination now for a 7 day period (4 drops, twice per day) can be dropped directly into her mouth or into her water bowl.  Then give her as stated above on the day of the fireworks.
I hope this is helpful.
With kind regards
Silva.
www.roxysworld.com.au