Our vet david grant works his animal magic

Q

MY four-year-old Jack Russell is terrified of fireworks. Sedatives do not help. What would you advise?

A

DOGS have varying degrees of fear when it comes to fireworks. There is a useful “sound sensitivity” questionnaire on adaptil.com that will help you work out how bad the problem is and what can be done.

The questionnaire weighs up signs of stress as well as coping behaviour. There is also information about Adaptil collars and diffusers which produce pheromones to naturally calm the dog.

Ideally owners of dogs with noise phobia would start a desensitisation programme three months before a noise event, as guided by their vet or a qualified animal behaviourist.

Depending on the severity this may include using a desensitising CD, available free from dogstrust. org.uk, a collar or diffuser.

Two months before the event it is useful to construct a den in the house where the dog feels safe. Use treats as encouragement.

Many leave it to the last minute but this may not be a problem thanks to a new licensed sedative available from your vet.

When fireworks start, act normally. No soothing, fuss or punishment and encourage him to leave his den with a treat once the noise stops.

David Grant MBE was a vet at the RSPCA Harmsworth Hospital for Animals. Write to him at Express Yourself, 10 Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6EN. He is unable to enter into correspondence.