With fireworks just around the corner it's time to start thinking about how we can support our animals through this stressful and fearful time.

I love fireworks and when I got Koda my first pup, he used to sit on the deck and watch the fireworks with me. Then for some reason it all changed.

When our animals are exposed to repeated, unexpected and unpredictable loud noises it can easily cause their fear to turn into a phobia; which over time worsens.  This is what happened in Koda's situation. His fear of fireworks turned into a phobia. It became so frightening for him that he would harm himself trying to get away from the noise. It was pure torture.

Homeopathy can help support our animals through fireworks. It can help reduce their stress, anxiety and fear and bring them back into balance.

Although there are many remedies that are useful for fear and anxiousness I have listed the more common ones as below:

Aconite. These animals will be over-anxious and over-sensitive to noise and are easily startled. They can become extremely distressed and panic-stricken and feel very vulnerable. This is a great remedy for when their emotions are very intense and are brought on suddenly. Aconite is a very good remedy for horses!

Arsenicum. This is a great remedy for those animals when they are very anxious, fearful and insecure. These animals can't be left on their own as this is very frightening for them. They are quick to panic and need to be reassured. These are the animals that are going to demand attention, but this does nothing to reduce their insecurities.

Phosphorus. This remedy is good for all noise phobias. These are the animals that are going to be very restless, nervous and fearful. They tend to be sensitive to sudden noises and easily startle and may be fearful of being touched.

Gelsemium. This remedy is to be considered when there is trembling caused by fear/fright. They can be very timid, express terror, and in some cases they may even lose bladder control due to the fear.

Argentum Nitricum.  This is a great remedy when the nervous systems are affected especially with anxiety.  They can't bear to be on their own and they may become impulsive and unpredictable. These are the animals that will wait in anticipation for the next "bang".

Below are also some great tips on how you can help to reduce their anxiety levels:

• Keep your animal indoors and stay with them if possible
• provide them with an area that is safe and where they can hide if they want to
• at night close the windows and curtains to muffle the noise and flashing lights as much as possible
• put on a bit of music or have the TV going
• give them a bone/treat/favourite toy to help keep them occupied

Dogs and Cats

• Make sure your dog or cat has somewhere to hide if he or she wants to and has access to this place at all times. For example, this could be under some furniture or in a wardrobe.
• Walk dogs during daylight hours and keep cats and dogs indoors when fireworks are likely to be set off.
• At nightfall close windows and curtains and put on music to muffle the sound of fireworks.
• Have the TV or radio playing to even out the noise.
• Give them their favourite toy to play with or a bone to keep them occupied and distracted.
• Give cats some catnip.

Paddock animals

• Ask neighbours to refrain from setting off fireworks or set it off on the other side of their house or in the opposite direction from your paddock.
• Make sure your animals are in a safe paddock they know well and have enough room to run around if they do go into a panic.
• Put suitable Homeopathic remedies in their troughs on the day fireworks are expected, to help calm them down.

Please contact me if you need further help with choosing or purchasing a remedy for your pets fear and anxiety.