Many cats also show fear responses to fireworks but their behaviour is less obvious; cats normally just hide.

Traditionally treatment has been limited to sedation, which lessens the distress of the pet but does nothing to reduce the underlying fear response. Sedatives can have potentially adverse effects on a pet's blood pressure and circulation especially in the older or unwell pet, and often cannot be prescribed if, for these reasons, there may be risk to the pet. Sedatives can only be prescribed after a veterinary examination or if the dog has been examined within the last 6 months (and there are no health concerns).

Although there is still a place for sedatives in the right situation several new approaches to the problem have recently been shown to be of value. 

Pheromones - DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) is produced by the nursing bitch and has been shown to have a calming effect on puppies and adult dogs. DAP is available in a plug in diffuser and has been proven to reduce the level of fear responses shown by susceptible dogs. Ideally treatment should be started a month or so before the firework season. 

Desensitisation - This a technique commonly employed in behavioural modification. The idea is to initially accustom the patient to very low but increasing levels of the scary stimulus, and then to associate this stimulus with a pleasurable outcome. CDs with training advice are now available.