Is your dog driven crazy when the fireworks start going off at this time of year? Well, you’re not alone! Most pets are scared by sudden, loud noises and Halloween can be a very distressing time: up to 80% of pet owners report that their pet is afraid of fireworks. Some of these animals will suffer from noise phobias - their reaction to certain noises are sudden, extreme and excessive. This can be very distressing for pets as well as their owners and can result in harm to the pet - Halloween is a common time of year for pets to go missing or to be injured on the roads, so the team at Clonskeagh Vets in Dublin 6 have some helpful advice for you:
⦁ If you can get organised in time, try desensitising your pet to fireworks by playing YouTube videos of fireworks in the weeks building up to Halloween: start with the volume very low & build it up gradually over days and weeks, so that it’s not a shock to the system when they start going off for real.
⦁ We recommend a vest for your dog called a Thundershirt™. This has been specifically developed for dogs with fireworks phobias and in many cases is extremely effective at calming the dog, while avoiding the use of medications. They can be bought from Clonskeagh Vets or online.
⦁ There are plug in diffusers, sprays and collars containing pheromones, as well as other products available from your vet, all of which can help to relieve anxiety in pets.
⦁ Ensure that all pets are wearing tags and have microchip identification. It’s a legal requirement for dogs and a really good idea for cats in case they run away in fear. If possible, keep cats indoors on Halloween, just in case.
⦁ Make sure to exercise your dog early in the day and give them something to do in the evening (such as chewing a frozen food-stuffed dog toy).
⦁ Ideally, try to ensure that someone remains with your pet when fireworks will be heard, and especially on the night of Halloween.
⦁ Provide a den or a hiding place where your pet can feel safe. Make your pet a comfortable bed here, with old sweatshirts and other clothing to give your pet a sense of your reassuring presence. A crate with some blankets over it is ideal for a dog. A cat may prefer to hide in a high up location such as the top of a wardrobe.
⦁ Do not punish your pet for anxious behaviour such as scratching at doors or house soiling. This can also tend to exacerbate anxiety and make matters worse.
⦁ In severe cases visit your vet who may be able to prescribe medication to help in the short term.
By Dr. Steve Hallahan MVB PgCertDent MRCVS @drstevethevet@gmail.com
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