- Lots of pets are afraid of fireworks and loud noises. So, what are the signs of stress?
- Dogs: Shaking / trembling; Clinging to owners; Excessive barking or chewing or hiding = destructive behaviour; Trying to run away; Inappropriate toileting; Pacing and panting; Altered postures.
- Cats: Hiding / cowering behind furniture ;Trying to run away; Inappropriate toilet behaviour; Altered postures.
- Halloween is often a very stressful time for pets who are scared of loud noises. There is no quick fix for pets who suffer from noise phobia. Treatment and management takes months to reduce the symptoms when the level of anxiety is induced by loud noises. With the right treatment you can keep your pet calm and help them cope.
- Obviously when the puppy or kitten is young, it is best to get them used to common noises they might meet when they are older, these include fireworks. By receiving a wide range of experiences as a young animal, they grow up as a calm and confident adult who is able to adapt and cope with unpredictable situations.
- If it is a while before firework season then a programme of desensitization to loud noises should be started. A desensitization CD to gradually and gently get them used to loud noises should be played for them. Start at the lowest volume and very slowly and gradually increase the volume and duration each day over a number of months. Be sure to reward any or all calm behaviours. If they show signs of stress as outlined above, then stop straight away and return to the previous level at which no fear was exhibited.
- Allow your pet to cope in their own way. If they want to hide, let them. If they want to be with you, let them. If they want reassurance, speak softly and gently distract them. This is a short term solution while you are present, but ideally you want to develop other coping methods for them when you are absent. An example would be to create a den / refuge with added soft furnishings to dampen the noises. Ideally you would put this up high for cats. Some owners have developed playlists of music that their pets like, or music with repetitive beats to dull out the sounds of the bangs.
- Pheromones are scents produced by animals in certain circumstances. They have been produced commercially in many forms to help keep the pet calm. There are specific ones available for each species. Natural remedies rely on plant and herb extracts to aid the creation of a relaxing feeling with the pet also. There are also certain supplements which can be added to the diet which aid in the production of hormones within the body to produce a more settled state.
- If your pet suffers from a severe noise phobia, they may require specialist behavioural therapy and in some cases medication. Your Vet will be able to advise you on the best path for your pet. Drugs such as sedatives which were once popular, are now no longer used as they do not reduce the fear and simply prevent the animal from being able to respond in a way which allows them to cope, and in some cases, would have made every subsequent loud noise even more scary for the pet.
halloween tips
Some Simple Things To Bear In Mind At Halloween
- Keep your pet indoors, with doors and windows closed and curtains drawn;
- Allow them to dictate where they feel safest;
- If they look for reassurance, comfort them as you would normally do and don’t exaggerate the behaviour as it will make them more apprehensive;
- Keep calm yourself as your pet will be reading your body language and using it to guide them;
- Turn up the volume on the tv / radio to try help dampen the sounds;
- Make sure your pet has ample opportunity to go to the toilet in daylight as it is less likely there will be fireworks going off;
- Try to avoid putting your pet outside at night time.
Microchipping
In the unlikely event of your pet escaping, or if they do run away from home, please make sure they are microchipped with up-to-date and valid contact details.
Also, please make sure your pet is wearing a collar, especially at this time of the year, with an identity tag on it, as anybody who finds your pet will be able to contact you without the need of bringing them to a Vet to read a microchip.