Fireworks Frighten Fido

   

           Independence Day is a festive occasion for us but it’s the worst day of the year for many dogs across the country.  “Bombs bursting in air” is not most dogs’ idea of a great show.  Noise phobia is severely stressful to dogs, many of whom spend the day pacing, panting, trying to hide and soliciting solace from their people.  Some even do severe damage to themselves and their housing when left alone while fireworks are popping.  Fortunately, the devastating effects of noise phobia can often be ameliorated or even eliminated with behavior tricks or the judicious use of medication. 

                Those dogs mildly bothered by noise phobia can sometimes be distracted and calmed by throwing a “Fireworks Party.”  Starting a couple days ahead of the holiday, feed your dog only about one quarter of her early meal.  Have some really yummy treats ready at hand.  Then, at the first sound of fireworks, YOU respond with a happy, “It’s a fireworks party!”  Award a treat with each boom until your dog is happily anticipating the next boom.  The next step is to require a 30 second Down-Stay before each treat.  Dogs tend to be calmer when they are lying down. 

                For more severe anxiety medication is helpful.  A calming pill can prevent anxiety when given ahead of the event, and even reduce or eliminate anxiety in dogs that are already worked up.  Dogs in our practice that have had a thorough examination within the last twelve months and are not showing signs of ill health are treated with lorazepam, an anti-anxiety medication.  Optimally the pill is given 1-2 hours prior to fireworks, but can often prove helpful even when given after the cacophony is underway.

                Severely affected dogs usually require a sedative, called acepromazine, in addition to lorazepam.  This drug is actually a tranquilizer and so, unlike lorazepam, it is likely to make your dog sleepy.  The effects of acepromazine are variable such that two different dogs of the same weight might require quite different doses.  It is best to try out these medications on your dog before the event to see how he might respond.  The occasional dog will paradoxically get more excited after taking lorazepam. 

                Anxiety is as distressing as physical pain from an injury or illness.  An anxious dog is suffering and the problem should not be ignored.  Fortunately, many susceptible dogs can be helped.  If your dog is afraid of fireworks or thunder, call us for relief.