Valerian for bonfire night?

[Vetty]

As we all now bonfire night is looming as although this will be Stevie's first, I think he will react to the fireworks. A few weeks ago someone let some off and he barked at every bang.

A friend of mine mentioned Valerian as her dog is hugely firework-phobic but is didn't work for her dog (she has to use diazapam), so I thought I would ask if any of you use it/know much about it. I asked my vet nurse but she dismissed it - said as it's herbal it's not vet-tested.

Can I have your opinions please? Thanks x

 

[Cinnamontoast]

I gather Rescue Remedy may work-my vet sells that next to the fake firework CD that is supposed to desensitise dogs. Mine used to be massively phobic and I would pander, stupidly, to his fears, by allowing him to be on my knees. When he was about 2, I decided it was ridiculous and ignored his panic. There was an immediate difference and he is now fairly perfect during fireworks. I'm not saying it's going to work for all dogs, but I'd be tempted to try it rather than go for meds, unless the dog is really panicked and likely to hurt himself.