Things that go boom in the night- Noise phobias
By Dr. Christina Lynch
Noise phobias can be managed with medication and behavioral modification.
Medication is one part of the equation, and they are most effective if given prior to fireworks or thunderstorms. There are several medications that can be used to help manage anxiety. Medications can be either short term on the day of the incident or long term over the entire rainy season. Herbal or natural supplements may also be an option for anxiety. Please have a consultation with your veterinarian and ask about what medications would work best for your pet.
Behavioral modification can help teach pets a desirable coping response to anxiety events. Creating a safe place for the pet inside the house is a place to start. You can find an interior room in the house or a room with dark shades or curtains over the windows to block out the visuals of the outside world. Providing a safe spot in the room such as a bed, crate, or closet that the pet can retreat. Setting up the safe spot during the winter and spring without the thunderstorms can be of benefit when the storm season arrives. Providing a high value treat such as Kongs rubber toys with peanut butter or other goodies can keep them focused on a job. Lick mats, sniff mats, puzzles and other sensory stimulation activities may be helpful in keeping them occupied in their new safe spots.
Drug free remedies can also be helpful and combined with behavioral modifications. Thundershirts produce a light pressure on the body and may have a calming effect. The use of synthetic pheromones such as Feliway for cats and Adaptil for dogs are available for helping pets with stress. Feliway and Adaptil mimic the pheromones from nursing dogs or cats that emit a sense of well-being.
There are several options available that can help your pet with fireworks and thunderstorm phobia. Ask your veterinarian for the best plan for your pet. Hopefully, everyone in the family will be able to enjoy the holidays.