Thunderstorm and Noise Phobias in Pets

Storm and Noise Phobias

               July fourth is just around the corner.  I know, right? Where has the summer gone already? Independence Day means fireworks and that often leads to anxious, frightened pets.  What can you do to ease your pet’s fear of fireworks and other loud noises?

• Give your pet a safe space.  Many pets instinctively try to hide when they are frightened.  Dogs may try to squeeze into tight spaces when loud noises startle them.   If your pup is trying to defy the laws of physics and mold himself in the space behind the toilet or under the couch, provide a safe space for your pet by setting up a crate, allowing your dog or cat to hide under a blanket or allowing him or her to stay in a small room or closet.  Tight fitting vests like the Thundershirt brand may provide a calming effect, similar to swaddling an infant. And, if your pet wants to snuggle close to you, it’s okay to let her do so, but try to avoid giving too much attention or saying comforting words like “It’s okay” as this may inadvertently reinforce the anxious behavior.
• Desensitize your pet.  Some pets may become less reactive if they are exposed to the sounds of thunder or fireworks in a controlled situation. Find recordings of storms (or record your own!) and, when your pet is calm, play the recording at a low volume.  Turn off the recording if your pet shows signs of distress.  If he or she remains calm, gradually turn up the volume and watch for signs of anxiety.  You can combine playing the recordings with calming supplements or medications if needed.  Reward your pet or have him or her play with an interactive puzzle toy or Kong brand toy stuffed with treats to reinforce calm behavior. If your pet looks anxious, stop the recording and remove the food toy.  This method takes time, but may work if your pup is showing signs of being fearful of loud noises for the first time.
• Try supplements.  Some dogs and cats with mild noise phobias may be calmed by supplements containing ingredients such a herbs, tryptophan or casein, a milk protein.  Pheromone products like Feliway for cats or Adaptil for dogs may also reduce stress.  If your fur baby has severe noise aversions, these may not quite fill the bill in keeping her calm, but can be used in conjunction with other methods.
• Resort to pharmaceutical help.  Let’s face it, days of booming fireworks or severe thunderstorms can rattle the best of us, and for our pets who have sensitive hearing, many are downright frazzled and terrified by a barrage of loud noises and can go into full on panic mode.  It’s unlikely your pet will suffer something serious like a heart attack, but, the fear and distress some pets experience can be difficult to witness.  We’ve also seen pets burst through screen doors, bust through glass windows and escape crates when frightened which can cause injuries or cause pets to become disoriented and lost if they manage to get outside.
• If supplements and desensitization methods are not enough for your panicky pet, it’s time to medicate. A number of safe medications are available to keep your pet calm and reduce stress when he can’t escape loud noises.  Drugs like alprazolam and trazodone provide short term relief from stress and fear.  There is also a drug called Sileo which is a gel that is applied to the gumline. Approved for treating noise phobias, it absorbs quickly and starts to work within 20-30 minutes so this may be a good option for sudden storms of unscheduled neighborhood fireworks displays.  Check with our vets for the right drug and dosage information for your pet.
• NOTE: cats are less likely to be frightened by thunder and fireworks, but some kitties can suffer from nose phobias as well.  While Sileo is not approved for felines, other medications may be helpful in reducing anxiety for your cat.

At Patton Veterinary Hospital, we’re here to help, but, if your pet typically needs medication to get through Fourth of July (and the days of celebration that often follow), PLEASE do not wait until July 3^rd to refill your pet’s medication.  Plan ahead, check your pet’s medication supply and request a prescription now. 

Our staff wishes you and your furry family members a safe and Happy Fourth of July!

This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital, serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.

https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/features/dog-storm-phobia#1

https://fearfreehappyhomes.com/storm-brewing-get-inside-your-dogs-head-to-help-him-manage-fear/