Please note: Media Relations is unable to answer questions about pet health problems. Contact your veterinarian.  

Source: Dr. William Fortney, 785-532-4605, e-mail wfortney@k-state.edu

Monday, June 28, 2004

PET'S FEAR OF FIREWORKS CAN BE LESSENED WITH PATIENCE, PRACTICE

MANHATTAN -- It's time for patriotism, picnics, 4th of July parades, fireworks … and for Fido to hide under the bed.

The fireworks celebrations so many enjoy on Independence Day are not much fun for many dogs. Their reaction to the loud noises makes them shake and quake with fear.

Dr. William Fortney, assistant professor of diagnostic medicine/pathobiology at Kansas State University, said a dog's fears can be lessened if the owner takes the time to overcome the problem.

"Actually there are three choices in handling a fireworks phobia," Fortney said. "One is the use of medication, the second is desensitization and the third is a combination of the first two."

Fortney said fireworks phobias are common in all breeds of dogs. Research indicates the fear usually begins in puppies but no one knows what the original stimulus was.

"The problem with fireworks is that you can't tell exactly what is scaring the dog," Fortney said. "It could be the flash of light. It could be the noise. It might even be the smell of the fireworks. There are multiple stimuli and it's hard to be sure which one is setting the dog off."

Sometimes tranquilizers can keep a dog calm, Fortney said.

"There are a variety of prescription medications that can be used to decrease the fear and anxiety associated with fireworks," he said. "Most drugs are forms of a tranquilizer or sedative which unfortunately makes the patient drowsy. Additional anti-anxiety prescription drugs are available that do not cause your pet to become a 'zombie' for several days. The best advice is to ask your veterinarian which medication would be best for your particular pet. And if you find one that works, stick with it.

"It takes most of our medications 30 to 60 minutes to work," he says. "So owners have to anticipate when the fireworks will start so they can predict when to give medication."

Another approach involves desensitizing the animal using the recorded noise from a thunderstorm.

"These cassette tapes are available in many pet stores," Fortney says. "The principle is to play them just below the level, or threshold, where the dog starts getting scared. If the noise is the stimulus that sets them off, the tape should desensitize them to the sounds."

Another tip is to use distraction whenever a dog begins to show fear. Try playing fetch or introducing a chew toy.

What owners shouldn't do is reinforce the fearful behavior.

"Try not to spend a lot of time petting the animal because it is afraid," Fortney said. "Cuddling the animal, holding the animal, letting the animal get in the bed, these are rewards that encourage the dog's fearful behavior. Try to divert its attention instead, although that can be kind of difficult late at night."

 

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