Multiple options available to calm your pet this firework season
Some of the medication needs to be given at least two weeks in advance according to veterinarian nurse, Arona Cremona.
POLOKWANE – Andy Williams sings that Christmas time is “the most wonderful time of the year”.
The festive season usually brings with it loud bangs of Christmas crackers and/or explosive fireworks. Four your animal companions, this is however, not the most wonderful time of the year and some of them might get scared and confused.
Pet owners would want to ensure that their pets stay calm and safe this festive season and Review decided to give veterinarian nurse, Arona Cremona, a ring to find out how they can ensure this.
“Herbal medication should be started at least two weeks before the festive season as it needs time to build up in your dog’s system and to start working. It only takes about 30 minutes for prescribed medication to work. If the dog is already panicking when the meds are given, it won’t have the desired effect,” she explained.
Arona said the reason why we cannot by calming meds over the counter is because it is very strong. “The medication that is strong and will do the job, is all scheduled drugs and by law cannot be sold without consultation from a doctor. The doctor will perform an examination to ensure that your pet is clinically healthy. Other herbal medications that can be sold over the counter has not gone through the testing as prescribed medication and for that reason we cannot guarantee that medication will work for your dog.”
There is not a lot of trust in herbal medication in the veterinary field as it did not go through a testing process that shows they are clinically proven to work.
Herbal treatment does work but there are no studies to prove that and taking those meds might work and also might not
“It is very important to remember that prescribed medication is only calming medication and not sleeping medication. When there is a dog panicking and hurting itself, you want something that you know will work.”
If the medication is not prescribed for long-term treatment, you can stop after the worst of the fireworks are over.
“The firework season in Polokwane normally starts a few days before Christmas and lasts until 3 January. It is also important to remember that Guy Fawkes Day is on 5 November. Please use discretion with medication and limit the use as needed. Make sure to collect your calming medication well in advance to avoid long queues and waiting times at the vet.”
Note that the reception ladies do not make the rules about selling scheduled drugs. It’s the law.
