FIREWORK PHOBIAS
How to deal with the problem
Firework night celebrations seem to begin earlier and earlier
every year. Many pet owners dread the start of this season
and preparation is all-important if dogs are to get through
it with the minimum of fear and stress.
A FEW PRACTICIAL TIPS
Install a DAP diffuser in the home - operating 24 hours a
day from two weeks before the season starts and 2 weeks after
events finish. DAP makes dogs feel more relaxed and confident
when they might otherwise be stressed.
A suitable place to hide - When the season begins,
try and ensure your dog is already in their favourite room.
All you need to do is to modify this room 2 weeks before to
make it more suitable as a hideout. Put down lots of blankets
for them to burrow in, and include an old unwashed piece of
your clothing as the dog will feel comforted by your indirect
presence. If possible the room should have minimal windows
and blacking out the room removes the potentially additional
problems of flashing lights and flares etc.
Distractions - Provide plenty of familiar toys, special
chews and games that might help distract the pet. Try to provide
background sounds from the radio or television. Moderately
loud rhythmic music with a good beat is an effective way to
mask the firework noises from outside, keep the volume at
a loud but comfortable level.
Feeding - Bowls of water are essential, and it is a
good idea to make sure that your dog has emptied his bladder
an hour before the display starts. Feed your dog a good meal,
rich in complex carbohydrates with added vitamin B6 a few
hours prior. The Burns Food meets these requirements with
additional cooked porridge or overcooked rice. This will help
make you dog feel calm and sleepy as the night draws in.
Your behaviour - Do not punish your dog when he is
scared, it only reinforces something to be afraid of and will
make him worse. Don’t fuss, pet or try to reassure him either
this is a reward for his behaviour. Although it is hard, try
to ignore any fearful behaviour that occurs.
For the future - You need to start
to do something to manage
the dog’s phobia problems now in preparation for next year!
Management can
be using behavioural methods called desensitisation and counter-conditioning.
Specially made recordings of fireworks can
be used to train dogs not to react to the noises they fear
and a CD with full instructions can be obtained from
Sound Scary: www. SoundsScary.com Phone: 01244 377365
It is advisable to discuss your dog’s phobia
problem with your vet.
This information is based on material written by Debra Horwitz,
DVM, DACVB and Gary Landsberg, DVM, DACVB.
Any information above is given in good faith
by our Nutritional advisors and may not necessarily reflect
the opinion of Burns Pet Nutrition. The advice of Burns Pet
Nutrition or a qualified veterinary surgeon should always
be sought before changes are made to the diet in the nutritional
management of health problems.
|
