Marlborough Express - Weekend Express
The big bang theory
Guy Fawkes can be a stressful and terrifying time for animals. Every year from November 2, when fireworks can legally be sold, stories about pets cowering in corners, under covers or, worse still, running away in fright, are commonplace.
Many animals suffer from a noise phobia, which can be expressed in a number of ways pacing, shivering and clinginess, right down to a pet destroying the house and injuring itself when left alone.
While a long-term treatment for noise phobia is the best plan of attack, it can take up to six months to implement. There are, however, some things you can do to help keep your pet calm when fireworks are going off in all directions.
Vigorous exercise can contribute to a reduction in noise anxiety and help with general stress. On days when you’re expecting fireworks to be at their peak, take your dog out and give him a good run around. It’ll help to tire and relax him both physically and mentally, as well as produce serotonin, which can act as a natural sedative.
A fearful dog may attempt to escape, so make sure your house and garden are secure. Don’t leave him home alone either, as that will only exacerbate the fear. Ensure your dog is easily identifiable too (with a collar and council tag), just in case he does escape.
Before night falls and the neighbours take to their back yards, feed and settle your animal into familiar surroundings it’ll help to make him feel safe and secure and ease the level of stress. If you’ve got a room in your house with no windows, that’s great; settle your cat or dog in there with a radio or TV to create some white noise. If you don’t have a suitable room, closing all of the windows and curtains is your next best bet.
Provide your cat or dog with a safe haven to retreat to, but make sure you don’t lock him in there.
Wardrobes, the bathroom, the laundry or a crate make good spots for dogs, while many cats will escape and hide underneath the nearest bed. For extra support in mild cases, Rescue Remedy or synthetic pheromones work well. Rescue Remedy should be given before the fireworks begin and can be placed directly in the mouth or added to drinking water. Pheromones, such as Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) and feline facial pheromones found in Feliway, may help some pets.
Don’t reward the fear. If your cat or dog is upset, giving him lots of attention may inadvertently reward him for being afraid. If your pet does come to you for comfort, simply stroke him along his flanks and ears to help calm him. It’s also best to act as if there’s nothing to worry about - stay relaxed and be a good role model.
Noise phobias generally progress over time, but if your animal appears to have an extreme fear, medication may be required. Consult your vet or veterinary behaviourist for more information and advice.