With fireworks season coming up we thought it'd be a good idea to write a post about how best to manage pets with fireowrk phobias.
Bonfire Night is a traditional and welcome celebration for most of us as we enter the colder
winter months. There is nothing better than watching the fireworks whilst sipping some
warm mulled wine! However, for many of our pets, the weeks either side of November 5th
are a time of anxiety and fear.
Furthermore, fireworks are now part of the festivities for many of us over the extended
Christmas and New Year holiday period. Noise phobia is a problem for many dogs, and
also to a lesser degree in cats. It is not fully understood why certain pets become fearful of
noises such as fireworks and thunderstorms. Signs may include hiding, vocalising,
shaking, pacing, dilated pupils, panting, drooling and inappropriate urination. The good
news is that our pets needn’t suffer unduly with a fear of loud noises and it’s important for
owners to understand that punishment will increase levels of stress and anxiety, making
problems worse.
Good management aims at reducing the level of distress to the pet. Owners can trial
creating a safe sanctuary for a pet such as a cardboard box or carrier, trying to reduce the
impact of the noise by blocking out the sound altogether, or putting on a radio, playing
white or brown noise. Keeping lights on and closing window coverings will block out the
flashing light that fireworks create.
Numerous prescription and non-prescription medications are useful in helping to sedate
the pet or reducing anxiety. Diffusers are available for dogs and cats from the Arc, which
release an odourless pheromone into the home to reduce stress. It is also possible to try
desensitisation – exposing the pet slowly, over time to a very gradual increase in the noise
stimulus starting from a level which is barely audible while pairing this with the arrival of
food. This would be done until a level is reached where the phobia is eliminated, but is
best carried out with the advice of an accredited behaviour specialist.
It is important that owners of phobic pets are pro-active and prepare by speaking to us and
discussing solutions well in advance of the anticipated event ... so that we can all enjoy
the fireworks!