Noise Phobia: Who’s afraid of fireworks?

By Katie Volat, DVM, Capitola Veterinary Hospital

Summer is here and the 4th of July holiday is right around the corner. Are you looking forward to this festive time filled with barbeques and fireworks, or does the thought of your anxious pet make it a stressful weekend? Many pets suffer from noise phobia, or fear of loud noises. Often the problem starts out with mild symptoms, but year after year, the unexpected fireworks blasts leave our pets frazzled and anxious. Fireworks, gunshots, thunder, lightning, and car engine backfiring can all set off a tizzy of anxiety in some pets. With the right approach, it is never too late, especially for this July 4th, to lessen your pet’s anxiety over loud noises.

Counter-Conditioning

It takes just a bit of time and repetition to achieve a calm, relaxed pet during fireworks season. One proven technique involves desensitization via counter-conditioning. The goal is to flood your pet’s senses with a gradual increase in volume of the noise that scares them while rewarding for a lack of negative/fearful response. This results in a better response to a particular loud noise over time. This may sound complicated, but the process is very simple. Start by finding a video of a fireworks show on-line. Begin playing the video at a low volume with your dog and/or cat present. Carefully observe their reaction…if they seem upset, then turn the volume down even lower and try again. Reward a calm demeanor with praise, affection, and a very special small treat.

Take 10-15 minutes out of your day to do this daily, each day increasing the volume within your pet’s threshold. You don’t want to push them too far too soon. After a couple weeks, your pet’s tolerance level should be much improved. This technique works for all noise phobias, but each different noise will need to be counter-conditioned separately. Once you have maxed out the volume to real-life fireworks level, continue to reinforce with maintenance sessions a few times per week leading up to the holiday. Always remember to praise your pet and reward with a very special treat, even after small improvements.

Distraction Techniques

To add to the effects of desensitization, you can also try distraction techniques.   Have interesting new toys and long-lasting chew toys on-hand to give to your anxious pet when the fireworks are revving up. Take your anxious pup for an extra-long hike or walk early in the day on the 4th so that if you’re lucky, they may sleep more soundly through some of the ruckus.   If you must leave your pet at home alone while you are out celebrating or barbequing, make sure all doors and windows are closed and leave a radio or TV on to minimize the scary fireworks noise as much as possible.

Other Possibilities

A number of pets will require more than just training and desensitization to make it through the weekend. Acupressure inspired shirts like the Thunder shirt work quite well for both cats and dogs during stressful events. Pheromonal sprays and plug-in devices that release calming dog and cat-specific pheromones are also helpful. Dog and cat treats are available that contain L-theanine, tryptophan, or other similar milk-derived naturally calming proteins that are great for mild anxiety cases.   It is best to test these products out with plenty of time before the holiday to determine if your pet needs additional help to make it through the holiday safely.

Ask your veterinarian for guidance if your pet needs more help than desensitization training and natural remedies. Your veterinarian may prescribe anti-anxiety medication, an antihistamine or a tranquilizer. These medications can be very helpful, especially for pets that may hurt themselves or are prone to destructive behavior. Your veterinarian will be able to prescribe the safest treatment for your pet based on the severity of their anxiety and their overall health status.

Even the most frightened pets can be calmed with a combination of these options…making it a much more enjoyable weekend for you and your furry family member!

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Dr. Katie Volat — Capitol Veterinary Hospital, 476-7387 Website: capitolaveterinaryhospital.com