Firework phobia can develop in pets, that have previously not been afraid of noises. This can happen if there has been a bad experience, such as standing too close to a firework going off, or just a gradual increase in fear each year. Some older cats and dogs suddenly start becoming afraid of noises, perhaps because they do not feel as able to get away from the noises, or because they are hearing them differently due to age-related hearing loss.

When firework noise starts does your pet:

• Shake, salivate or mess in the house?
• Howl, hiss or bark?
• Become destructive?
• Try to hide or even run away?
• Become more scared the longer the noise goes on?
• Remain afraid long after the noise has stopped?

When your pet gets very old, the total loss of hearing may mean that they are suddenly unafraid of the fireworks for the first time in years. However, don't wait for old age to solve this problem. Most pets with firework phobia experience worsening signs every year.There are many ways you can help your pet to cope with firework noise. Herbal treatment has no side-effects and can be safely given to cats and dogs of all ages, except pregnant or lactating females.

The medicinal herbs Scullcap and Valerian help relieve anxiety, nervousness and excitability in pets. These herbs can be given one week before firework night and continued for as long as needed, until the firework season has stopped. If your pet has become very stressed in the past, it is often useful to start this treatment earlier - anywhere between 10 days and 3 weeks, depending on how severely affected they have been. Don't panic if you have not left a lot of time to prepare as you can still give these herbs on the day of the fireworks and they should still help your pet.

The dosage of this kind of herbal medicine is according to your pet's weight. Dogs and cats need 1 tablet for every 5kg they weigh. We recommend the dose is split morning and night. So if your pet weighs 10kg, they will need 2 tablets - 1 is given in the morning and 1 at night. You can give double this amount when the fireworks are at their worst, giving the second dose 2 hours before dusk and this double dose can be given for as long as it is necessary in perfect safety.

Also of benefit is liquid Valerian, which acts in around 30 minutes when given by mouth. It is particularly suitable for cats, who will take this in their food, into their mouth or will lick it off their paw. A few drops placed on bedding can also help calm your cat. This form of Valerian is ideal for dogs too. It can be given in addition to Scullcap and Valerian tablets as a top-up for especially scary moments, even if you are already using the higher dosage of tablets. For cats, a few drops on bedding and a further ¼ teaspoonful by mouth or in food, when fireworks are severe. For dogs, by mouth or in food - small dogs ¼ teaspoon; medium dogs ½ teaspoon; large dogs 1 teaspoon; giant breeds 1½ teaspoons.

So now you can help your pet relax safely and naturally!