If
you have a pet that is frightened of fireworks,
thunder or gun fire, don't let it suffer any
more. You can help your dog by desensitising
it to these noises, using a noise CD (click
here to buy a Fireworks, Thunder and Shots
CD!). We also suggest you find a local trainer
or behaviourist who will use reward based
training methods, for help in training with
the CD, to get the best result.
Noise
phobia by Georgie Herne
In the weeks leading up to the November
5th celebrations many people are understandably worried
about their pets reaction to fireworks. If your pet
has previously shown fear to these noises, once the
season for fireworks is over you should speak to
our behaviourist about starting a desensitisation
programme to ensure your pet does not start to become
fearful of other related sounds (such as a car backfiring
etc).
BEFORE
THE EVENING STARTS:
Feed
your pet a meal rich in carbohydrate with added
vitamin B6 mid to late afternoon so his stomach
is full over the evening. (Obviously if the pet
is prone to diarrhoea when frightened stick with
his usual meal). If you need further advice on suitable
diets, please contact your local vet.
Have
a darkened room ready at sundown, this makes
sure that he does not develop fear of anything
else, such as the flashing lights that accompany
the noise. Provide some toys for your
pet and something to occupy yourself (whilst
you keep her/him company).
Be
sure that the environment is safe and secure
at all times and that the pet cannot escape
and bolt with fear.
Put
some music on, preferably something with a loud
drumbeat if the pet can tolerate it. It will
act as a distraction from the noise outside.
IF
your vet has recommended sedative drugs for
the evening, make sure they are given well before
the start of the fireworks to make sure the
pet doesn¹t start to panic.
IF
your vet has suggested that the use of earplugs
may be helpful for your dog, use them. Generally
the earplugs can be made by taking a piece of
cotton wool and dampening it. Roll it into a
long thin cylinder and twist into the dog¹s
ear to pack the canal. DO NOT DO THIS unless
you have been shown the correct method by your
vet or vet nurses.
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