Need Help! Hootie & Hobbs Are Freaking Out!
 

I just took all three of my dogs outside on leash for a last round in the yard before bed. I live in an apartment complex on the back side. I walk around to the front side and see 2 adults and a bunch of kids standing around. Before I know it, fireworks are going off one after another. All three of my dogs FREAK OUT like I've never seen them freak out before! They all sprint in 3 different directions. My lab, Lamar, practically YANKS my hand off he's running so fast but I didn't want to let him go because I had no idea where he would run. Then, Lamar craps on himself and on my foot. Hootie and Hobbs got tangled around a post and I finally just let their leashes go knowing (or praying) they would run back to the door. Luckily they did. I finally get all the dogs back around to my apartment and get them inside. They are all shivering like crazy. Lamar is running around aimlessly with his tail between his legs and he's panting. I also noticed that Lamar's toenail is bleeding. I guess he was running so hard on the concrete but not going anywhere that it grinded his toenail down. I put some quickstop on it. Hootie & Hobbs are sitting in my lap panting and shivering like little leaves. I feel so bad for them. I have a feeling the fireworks are going to be going on for awhile, too. What should I do??? I have some doggie xanex/valium that I give Hobbs on long car rides. Should I dose them all up? I feel like they won't ever be able to go to sleep tonight the way they are acting right now. Will they ever be able to go outside again without being freaked out? Will they ever trust me to put him on a leash again??

OMG sorry that has happend.. here is what I just posted in another thread but altho it is to late may help ya a little.


Nearly two out of every three single-family homes in this country have a dog, according to industry surveys.
Portland ranks No.1 as the best all-around city for dogs in America (Dog Fancy magazine, October 2006). That means there are a lot of dogs and a lot of dog lovers in this area. So while Independence Day can be a fun celebration for us humans, it can be very traumatic for our dogs.
Dogs don’t like fireworks. Bangs, explosions and bright lights accompanied by screams, sirens and howling dogs create fear and confusion. It is not unusual for dogs to run away from home after being frightened by fireworks. Here are some tips to protect your dogs and keep them safe:
n Don’t leave your dogs outside; bring them inside to protect them. If this is not possible, cover the crate or kennel with a blanket to offer some protection from the bright flashes and loud bangs. Remember that a dog’s sense of hearing is acute.
n Keep you dog confined, and don’t let him answer the front door. Your dog may be under significant stress, which may result in unnecessary injury to innocent parties or cause your dog to dart out though the front door and get lost.
n Create a special “den” where your dog feels safe. A properly introduced crate or kennel can be a great den for your dog.
n Keep windows and curtains closed to reduce noises and bright flashes.
n Turn on the TV, radio or a fan to distract your dog from the loud noises outside and to help it relax. Classical music has shown to be the most calming.
n It may be hard, but try to stay with your pet during the majority of the fireworks duration. A dog can often react differently to a bang when you are not there.
n Always have ID securely on your dog in case your dog gets out. Talk to your vet about micro-chipping your dog. Make sure that your vet hospital and/or animal shelter have recent information in their databases about you and your pet.


I use calm moments for mine you can get it at Petsmart.
for about $10.00

Thanks so much! I really need to go out and clean up that poop, but I guess I'll wait a little while until the fireworks die down.

I know I used to Love Fire works and Thunder storms but now Daisy Freaks for both!. I tell you tho Calm moments has helped alot with the shaking and the scared. When we were in PA there was a huge storm. I had given her a 1/4 tab earlier that day and when the sorm hit she didn't care at all. she acted as if it wasn't there at all.
I hope they calm down soon for ya.

Do you think they'll forever be scared to go outside now?

no they'll go out again They might be a little off for a few days but they'll calm down.. I can not Wait till the 4th is OVER!

I just gave all three of them some Rescue Remedy. And the fireworks have stopped....for tonight at least. I'm just worried about the long-term side effects. I'm worried that they won't trust me to take them out on a leash again. I learned in Obedience that when they are on leash, it is up to the owner to protect them. I didn't protect them 2nite and I feel so badly about it.

Oh no you did tho hun you took them back in and away from them. they will be fine,,,,,, I use to use RR and then my daughter hit the botttle and it crashed to the floor:( then I was at Petsmart and the lady there said to try the calm moments. So I did and it really works. I hardly ever have to use it anymore. I think she is getting used to it now.

Thanks for letting me know about the Calm Moments. I am going to try that on Hobbs instead of this prescription sedative the vet gave me. And thanks for reassuring me about the fireworks. It was TERRIBLE!

Girl don't blame yourself you didn't know...they will probably be scared for awhile but they will be okay, just take them out as normal....tomorrow night you might want to take them out earlier before all the fireworks...I would turn on tv's, radio's our anything else with noise tomorrow night...bless there hearts give them big hugs & kisses....:(

I meant to tell you that poor Max (GSD) will not come out of his doghouse when there are fireworks or thunder..and he is fine..I can't even get him in the house, he will not come out of his kennel or his doghouse...:(

The great thing about it is that they act normal not dopy at all :)

Thanks both of you!!! All three dogs are snuggled up in my bed. We normally don't let our lab sleep in bed because there's just not enough room for 2 people, 2 yorkies AND a lab, but hubby is working 2nite so Lamar is getting the extra-special privilege of cuddling up in bed with Hootie, Hobbs & me. Even though the fireworks are probably over for 2nite, I'm going to sleep with the TV on to drown out any noise that may cause them anxiety. I'll definately be prepared for tomorrow night!

Alphy barks and Abby pants like crazy. I keep thinking she'll hyperventilate Ever have a 70lb golden jump suddenly into your lap and crawl into a ball? :D Oh man. LOL

So far I've been lucky enough to not be outside with them when something went off.

I'll have to look into that....Calm Moments? Did you say you got it at Petsmart?

Phoebi has prescription Xanax and Valium but by the time the storm hits and I give it to her, it's too late. Then she's so drugged up (no matter how little I give her) I have to worry about her falling and hurting herself. :mad: