"Bailey" from Claire Russell, UK
From a puppy Bailey has always been a hyperactive, nervous dog, especially scared of loud noises...
As soon as the first firework would go off she would cower under the bed or hide under my legs shaking frantically. The fear of fireworks got worse as she got older, and progressed to a phobia of the dark; meaning from November to February she would not go out for a walk – which was a nightmare as it got dark at 5pm!
My vet recommended I try an Adaptil diffuser in the house throughout firework season. I bought two, one for downstairs and one for upstairs where I had made her a den under the bed. I couldn’t believe when the first firework went off her ears pricked up she looked at me (I totally ignored her as advised – sooo hard to do!) shockingly she put her head back down and went to sleep!!
The next day at 6pm when it was completely dark, I picked up her lead, shouted “walkies” she came flying down the stairs, wagging her tail couldn’t wait to go out!
When the firework displays started going off, she still got nervous and hid under the bed but didn’t shake and soon came back downstairs. The most beneficial change was that she would go for walks in the evening even after a display the previous night.
I would recommend Adaptil to dogs with firework fears as it has definitely helped Bailey!
For more information on how you can prepare your pet for fireworks visit www.petfireworkfear.co.uk
