Fireworks

Many dogs are afraid of fireworks or other loud noises such as bird-scarers or guns. Some will react badly to thunder.  Affected individuals will seek reassurance from the owner, may try to hide or in some cases will panic and try to run away. 

Cats may also be afraid of fireworks, but they normally just hide, so the fear is less obvious. 

Traditionally treatment has been limited to sedation, which lessens the distress of the pet but does nothing to reduce the underlying fear. 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).

There is still a place for sedatives in the right situation but 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.