Every year, after the festive Christmas celebrations, concerns arise once again about noise anxiety in beloved pets during the New Year's Eve fireworks.
Between the holidays, pet owners often come to us with requests for sedatives to help their dogs or cats get through New Year's Eve calmly and without fear.
Not long ago, the active ingredient acepromazine (brand name: Vetranquil) was commonly administered to dogs and cats with noise anxiety.
This medication gives the impression that the animal is calm and relaxed. Unfortunately, however, the dog or cat is essentially paralysed and remains fully aware of its surroundings despite appearing sedated.
The result is increased fear and distress in the animal. For this reason, our veterinary practice does not use this medication for anxiety relief during the New Year's period.
We will advise you and, depending on the severity of your pet’s symptoms, may recommend the use of pheromones, casein hydrolysates, herbal calming remedies or, in severe cases, alprazolam.
Please note that it is not enough to administer these treatments only on New Year's Eve. Herbal remedies and pheromones should ideally be started ten days before the event. Alprazolam must be given two to three days in advance.
In any case, a personal consultation is recommended.
If alprazolam is prescribed, it is necessary to bring your pet in for an examination by one of our veterinarians. We are happy to advise you.
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