Client Information Sheet
Copyright Bilton Veterinary Centre 2011. All rights Reserved
Firework Phobias
What is firework phobia?
Firework phobias are one of many noise related
phobias that vets will see commonly occurring in
dogs. Other frequently encountered phobias include
thunder, gunshots and bird scarers. The main feature
of nearly all noise phobias is the sudden, brief and
very loud/deep nature of the sound.
Also the sound is very difficult to pinpoint – a door
banging for example has a very obvious origin,
however thunder, fireworks etc appear to be
circumferential (ie they appear to be all around you).
This is thought to be why it is more frightening for them.
What are the symptoms of firework phobias?
These symptoms are not specific for firework phobias, and can be applied to any noise
phobia. You pet may show some/all of the following:
Hiding in small places
Panting
Scratching at doors
Restlessness
Seeking close attention
Toileting indoors
Trembling
Digging behaviour
Barking
Pacing around
Chewing objects
Destructive behaviour
Often the problem is not present when the dog is very young, and is usually something
that manifests itself as the dog gets old. Unfortunately it is also something that
appears to get worse as the dog gets older. Ironically it may also suddenly appear to
reduce when the dog is very old – and this is thought to be due to the fact that animal
may well be becoming hard of hearing!
Do I need to be worried about my pet’s phobia?
For many people and animals, noise phobias can make their lives miserable. It often
precludes people from taking their animals on walks, leaving them alone in the house
and generally affects their wellbeing and quality of life. If the problem is mild then it
can be ignored, but if signs are severe, or appear to be worsening then something
ought to be done – and the sooner the better!
Copyright Bilton Veterinary Centre
Page 1 of 4
2011. All rights Reserved
Client Information Sheet
Copyright Bilton Veterinary Centre 2011. All rights Reserved
What can be done?
Many dogs can be conditioned to tolerate the loud noises and flashes that are
associated with fireworks. Even those who currently cannot cope can be helped by a
combination of some behaviour modification and/or the use of various medications to
help ease the severity of the problem.
1. CHANGES AT HOME and OWNER BEHAVIOUR
Create a secure “bolt-hole” for the dog to retreat when fearful. This can be
under the stairs, behind the settee, under a bed, even in a cupboard. Make this
place comfortable and always accessible. Try to make it nice and small, and use
cushions and blankets to try and sound-proof the area. Encourage its use by
giving the dog treats or chewy toys in it at times when the dog is relaxed – not
when he/she is frightened!
Ignore your pet’s behaviour when it is showing signs of restless unsettled
behaviour, (eg panting and vocalisation, pawing at carpets, hiding behind or
under furniture). Be firm and authoritative and tell him where you want him to
go. Once he is settled, try not to disturb him unnecessarily.
Do not try to comfort or cajole the dog to settle by stroking, cuddling or talking
soothingly. This may reward the fearful behaviour.
Do not punish your dog when he is scared as it may confirm that there is
something to be afraid of.
Make sure the dog is kept in a safe and secure environment at all times so that
it does not bolt and escape if a sudden noise occurs.
Feed your dog a high protein meal well before dark followed by a small bowl of
pasta, rice or potato an hour later. This will stimulate the production of
serotonin, which is “a happy mood” hormone. If necessary withhold food
beforehand to ensure a good appetite. Also a supplement of 100mg pyridoxine
(Vitamin B6) as you find it in Brewer’s yeast has been found to be beneficial
when fed before anticipated noises.
Close windows and doors, draw curtains and play music with a steady base
beat eg. Rap. This will help mask the noises outdoors.
2. DESENSITISATION
One effective way to treat a noise phobia is to use a programme of desensitisation
and counter-conditioning. The aim of this treatment is to associate the noise with
positive experiences, helping your pet to feel comfortable and safe and to lose its
fear of noises. However this conditioning needs to be implemented well in
advance of any phobic event. This treatment usually takes the form of a CD/DVD
that is played through a home stereo etc. The basic idea is that the CD contains a
series of recorded firework sounds* that are to be played daily. The program
involves the sounds being played at incredibly low volume to start with and then
gradually increased over several weeks/months.
*
We can also supply discs with other sounds such as thunder, gunshots or a mixture of all types!
Copyright Bilton Veterinary Centre
Page 2 of 4
2011. All rights Reserved
Client Information Sheet
Copyright Bilton Veterinary Centre 2011. All rights Reserved
The idea is that because the sounds are built up slowly and start out at a nonthreatening volume, your pet becomes far more used to them and eventually you
have built up to quite a load volume without your pet really noticing. This is a
VERY effective method of treatment but it does involve quite a lot of work and
patience.
3. Medication
One of the problems with certain noise phobias – is the
unpredictable nature of when the sounds are going to appear.
Gone are the days where it was just 5th November! Therefore
we will need to address which medications/approaches are
more suitable for those dogs that seem to suffer throughout
the year, or for prolonged periods.
A variety of adjunctive treatments are available to try and
help your pet cope with the sounds. Our vets will be able to
discuss with you which one(s) we feel is most appropriate.
D.A.P.™ - Dog Appeasing Pheromone
The lactating female releases substances in the skin around the teats called “appeasing”
pheromones. Their function is to reassure the offspring. The Dog Appeasing Pheromone
mimics the properties of the natural appeasing pheromones of the bitch. By replicating
this signal of well-being, D.A.P. may help to alleviate fear and stress in the puppy and
adult dog. D.A.P. comes as a plug-in diffuser or as a special collar and is available at the
surgery. These are often very effective.
Phenobarbitone and Propranolol as a combination
Phenobarbitone is a drug used in treatment of epilepsy but also works as a sedative,
Propranolol is a drug that keeps the heart rate low and prevents overexcitement. Best
results are found with a combination of both. Medication should be started a week
before the first fireworks start and continue through the period. In our experience, this
combination only works in a small percentage of dogs
Diazepam
A so called “anxiolytic” drug as it takes away feelings of anxiousness and panic. It is
relatively short acting but can be used strategically on the bad nights. It also does affect
the memory of the dog making it less likely to remember being worried about fireworks
and so often you find the symptoms improve over the years.
Alprazolam
This is a drug similar to diazepam but is often more reliable and longer acting.
Unfortunately there can be interferences with other drugs and a potential to cause a
paradoxical hyperactivity. This drug is used when there is no time left to institute the
combination of above or the signs are very severe.
Acepromazine
This drug is a sedative, which has been used for noise phobia for years, however recent
studies have shown that the fear reducing affect may be minimal. It is thought that the
Copyright Bilton Veterinary Centre
Page 3 of 4
2011. All rights Reserved
Client Information Sheet
Copyright Bilton Veterinary Centre 2011. All rights Reserved
dog is still very frightened of the noise, but is so heavily sedated that it cannot react
externally. It has to be used very carefully in older dogs, and those with cardiac or liver
disease. We try to avoid using this if possible.
Selegilin
This drug is classically used for separation anxiety but might be very helpful in the
process of desensitisation when using the Sounds Scary CD. This is not suited for short
term or emergency use!
Alpha-S1 tryptic casein
This is a new product which is derived from a naturally occurring milk protein. Also used
in humans, it acts on the same part of the brain as Diazepam but without any of the side
effects. It often provides a calming effect and can be used in all sorts of stressful
situation in dogs and cats, including fireworks, travelling, moving house, kennels etc.
All medications should be used as an adjunct to behavioural support. Your own behaviour and
the provision of a den are still of paramount importance!
Please don’t wait until the fireworks are starting and then think about
treating your dog. We strongly advise that you plan well ahead and
make arrangements to come and see us at least 4-6 weeks before the
firework season. The desensitisation programs will take MONTHS!
Copyright Bilton Veterinary Centre
Page 4 of 4
2011. All rights Reserved