From BCDS

[edit] Bonfire Night and Fireworks

Advice from Dorwest Herbs

Get through the fireworks nightmare safely this year with the help of herbal medicines formulated to calm and relax nervous or apprehensive dogs without having to resort to sedation.

The 5th November is often a real nightmare for dogs and their owners. Unfortunately, it is no longer just one night but can continue for longer. Young animals experiencing this for the first time may be frightened of the noises and bangs and will need reassurance throughout this period. Those with a highly strung or nervous disposition will also find fireworks upsetting.

Orthodox medicines, such as ACP, available from your vet will completely sedate the dog should this prove necessary, but it may not be acceptable for use over a long period. There are alternative remedies for animals that will help your dog relax and get through this period without having to be completely sedated. Scullcap & Valerian tablets are a licensed herbal medicine specifically formulated to calm and relax hyperactive, excitable and nervous animals, and is used widely by veterinary practices throughout the UK.

This medicine should be given daily, preferably starting a week before the 5th November as festivities can start early and continue for days afterwards. The most effective way to ensure an overall relaxed approach is by giving the remedy in the morning and again about 2 hours before dusk. Your dog should also be kept indoors with the curtains closed and give toys to keep him occupied and soothing

Dorwest Herbs - Scullcap and Valerian tablets are available from Dorwest Herbs

[edit] Burns Pet Nutrition - The Holistic Approach to Health and Nutrition

by Chris Cleland

I expect there are a number of us who have at some time with our dogs experienced the dreaded "dally rash", which name of course covers a multitude of sins.

One of our Dalmatians has experienced on-going skin problems and we have been through the whole process of anti-biotics, steroids, allergy testing, elimination diet, special shampoos, ointments, creams, homeopathic remedies, you name it we have tried it!

On the allergy front, he showed up with a high percentage against house dust mite and storage mite, so we changed most of the carpets to laminate flooring, bought leather settees and anti allergen sprays to use on the curtains. I absolutely refuse to have plastic blinds!! He still scratched and itched and was very bright pink in places!

At the time he was being fed the BARF diet, which is made up primarily of raw chicken wings & necks, turkey necks, plenty of fresh raw vegetables with supplements.

He was finally referred to a consultant dermatologist, who was the person to put him on the elimination diet, potato and the white fish, Coley for six weeks, during this time although he lost coat and went very thin he did not experience any skin problems. We gradually started to add other things, but nothing really showed any great reaction, although possibly a little itchy after re-introducing chicken as the staple diet.

At this point I started to despair, how were we ever going to get this dog right so I decided to phone up the nutritional & health helpline at Burns. After describing the dog’s symptoms and treatments we decided to start him on Burns Fish and Brown Rice, and I have to say since then we haven’t looked back. His coat his beautiful, he is the correct weight, and apart from the odd problem which is as a result of him crashing through the undergrowth, cutting himself and excessively licking which has caused a little infection we have not had any problems.

I have since then also raised a litter of puppies using Burns Minibites as part of their diet; again I can only say how pleased I have been with the results.

I know there are numerous foods on the market and we all have our favourites, but if you have a dog with skin problems then Burns is certainly worth a try.