Dog - Firework Phobias

How to deal with the problem in an emergency

Drugs

Medication may be useful in some cases but must only be given under veterinary supervision. Remember drugs should ideally be given so they take effect BEFORE any noise starts or panic sets in. This is usually at least an hour ahead of the events. However, there can be some benefit in administering certain drugs if you come home to find your dog in a state of distress or your dog has a fear inducing experience which you were unable to predict. For example if someone sets off a firework in the middle of the day while you and your dog are on a walk. Please contact us for further advice.

Pheromones

Devices which release natural calming chemicals that help to reassure your dog are now available commercially. These chemicals are naturally produced by dogs in certain situations and are known as pheromones. If you plug in a device in your dog’s favourite resting place in a blacked out room (see below) and leave it on the whole time, you may find that this helps your dog cope through the firework season. He will probably continue to react to the noise by stopping what he is doing when the noise is heard but should not panic. These devices can be used in addition to drugs if necessary, but neither are a substitute for an appropriate behaviour therapy programme to eliminate the problem. Details of this are provided in another handout.

Punishment

Do not punish your dog when he is scared since the change in your behaviour will only confirm that there is something to be afraid of and this will make matters worse.

Reassurance

Equally do not fuss your dog or try to reassure when he appears scared since this can signal that the response is appropriate. It is best to either ignore any fearful behaviour that occurs or better still be positively jolly at these times, to signal that there is nothing to be worried about.

Feeding

Feeding your dog a good meal in the mid afternoon and giving a supply of carbohydrate (such as pasta) three hours later with added vitamin B6 can help by giving your dog a full stomach during the evening. This diet also increases the body’s natural calming chemicals in the brain. If necessary do not feed him at any other time during the day to ensure a good appetite.

If your dog is prone to diarrhoea when scared or at other times, or has other medical conditions necessitating a special diet, please consult us and we will give specific advice 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 being injured or causing injury to others.

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

When the season begins, try to ensure access to 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. which can become predictors of the noises that your dog is scared of.

Provide plenty of familiar toys, but change these frequently so there is lots of new stimulation to interest your dog at this time.

Try to arrange that you are with your dog so that he does not have the additional problem of being isolated at this time. Remember dogs are very social creatures. However, resist the temptation to reassure your dog or use physical contact such as cuddling to make him feel better. Close physical interaction can inadvertently reinforce the fear.

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. It does not necessarily have to be loud as long as there is a constant distracting rhythm to the music which will prevent your dog from concentrating on the noises outside.

Ignore these noises yourself and try to involve your dog in some form of active game (such as juggling your dog’s toys) so he can choose to join in but only if he wants to.

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 could be a helpful strategy in some cases provided that the non-fearful dog is emotionally robust and is not going to be adversely affected by the fearful dog. Playing with the non-fearful dog when your own becomes scared may help to encourage him to join in and reduce his fear. However, every case should be judged on its own merits and bringing another dog into the situation is certainly not always a helpful strategy.

Are ear plugs available for dogs?

Ear plugs can be used and do work in some cases but they are not generally well tolerated by dogs. 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 cannot be secured. You can use an old stocking or sock with the end cut off as a bonnet to help keep the ears down and the ear plugs in place, if your dog will accept it.

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

Do not just ignore the problem because it only happens for a few days each year. You should instigate a desensitisation and counter conditioning programme once the season is over so that you can ensure that your dog changes his perception of fireworks and learns that they are not a real threat. The ideal time to start this treatment is immediately after the current season so that you have maximum time during which exposure to fireworks is less likely to occur. We can help with leaflets explaining exactly how to go about this.