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FIREWORK PHOBIAS

How to deal with the problem in an emergency

 

Drugs

 

These may be useful in some cases but should only be given under veterinary supervision.  Remember they should be given so they take effect BEFORE any noise starts or panic sets in.  This is usually at least an hour.

 

Please contact us for further advice if necessary.

 

Punishment

 

Don’t punish your dog when he is scared, it only confirms to him that there is something to be afraid of and will make him worse.

 

Reassurance

 

Don’t fuss, pet or try to reassure your dog when he is scared since he will regard this as a reward for the behaviour.  Although it may be difficult, try to ignore any fearful behaviour that occurs.

 

Feeding

 

Feed your dog a good meal, rich in carbohydrate with added vitamin B6 mid to late afternoon so he has a full stomach over the evening.  If necessary don’t feed him at any other time during the day to ensure a good appetite. 

 

However if your dog is prone to diarrhoea when scared or at other times, please consult us and we will advise regarding this strategy.

 

Environment

 

Make sure that the environment is safe and secure at all times.   Even the most placid dog can behave unpredictably when frightened by noise and should he bolt and escape he could end up in a much worse state.

 

Can I do anything to reduce the impact of the noise and flashes from the fireworks?

 

When the season begins, try to ensure that your dog can reside in a well curtained or blacked out room when it starts to go dark. Blacking out the room removes the potentially additional problems of flashing lights, flares etc.  

 

Provide plenty of familiar toys. 

 

Try to arrange that you are with him so that he is not abandoned in the room. 

 

Make sure that all the windows and doors are shut so the sound is deadened as much as possible. 

 

Try to provide background sounds from the radio or television.   If you can tolerate it, rap or similar music with a lot of constant drum beats does help.  It does not necessarily have to be loud as long as there is a constant distracting beat to the music which will prevent him from concentrating on the noises outside. 

 

Ignore these noises yourself and try to involve your pet in some form of active game.

 

My friend down the street has a dog that is not scared of fireworks and gets on with mine.   She has offered to lend me her dog for support.  Shall I accept?

 

This may be an excellent strategy.  Keeping the two together during the evenings may help.   Playing with the non-fearful dog when your own becomes scared may help to encourage him to join in and reduce his fear.

 

Are ear plugs available for dogs?

 

Ear plugs have been recommended and do work in some cases.  You can improvise ear plugs by rolling pieces of damp cotton wool.    It is rolled into a long thin cylinder and twisted into the dog’s ears so as to pack the canals.  The procedure is not easy since care has to be taken that the cylinder is not so thin that it goes too deep into the ear canal or so thick that it can’t be secured. 

 

Is there anything else that I can do that is worthwhile?

 

Don’t just ignore the problem because it only happens for a few days each year.  Instigate a desensitisation programme once the season is over so that you ensure your dog loses fear of the situation.   We can help with leaflets explaining exactly how to go about this.