DAP (now Adaptil) is good, also there is zylkene. Not sure about the seren-um but as previously mentioned, rescue remedy is an option. Best theng to do is not to react if she reacts to noise. It is human nature to comfort a scared puppy but all that does is to reinforce the fear. Create her a cave- crate with blanket over/ cupboard under the stairs, make sure all curtains are closed and all internal doors open so that she doesn't feel trapped. TV or radio on and if she gets frightened or vocalises IGNORE her! Sounds mean but if your not bothered, she will learn not to be. As she is so young it may be worth getting the sounds scary CD and putting it on low (VERY VERY low) each day, gradually increasing the sound so that she doesn't react. With older dogs who have a pre-existing firework fear it would be too close to firework time but as she is a firework newbie it may be enough to make her more comfortable with the noise.
The main thing with any fear is not to react- remember barking etc can also be fearful so it is important not to correct that, distract her and praise for being quiet AND
calm- don't praise her if she is quiet but tense/ trembling.
With any firework fearful dog the main things are:
-give them somewhere cave-like to hide, leave them alone if they choose to be in there
-leave all internal doors open so that the dog doesn't feel trapped and can bolt to somewhere they feel safe if the need takes them
-T.V's or radio's provide good noise cover for bangs
-leave a lamp on as this will cover up flashes
-Close all curtains blinds when it gets dark to avoid flashes in the house
-Try to walk before dark so that they don't get spooked whilst out
-If walking after dark, keep on the lead- a frightened dog, no matter how well trained will bolt in the direction they feel is safest- we see a lot of RTA's this time of year
-Ditto above if letting out for a wee in the dark- even if the garden is enclosed, they can turn into gymnasts when scared.
-Give toys/kongs to distract them during the evening
-Bear in mind, some dogs won't eat whilst scared- you may need to feed a little earlier than normal
-Remember- Don't reassure!!!!
-Finally the most important thing is to prepare for next year!! Start straight after new year with desensitisation CD's and training- unless your dog is noise phobic this will work. (nb- Phobia's are a lot less common than you would think- most dogs suffer from noise fear)
Hope that helps
