I am not too keen on autumn – the season of brown, mustiness, damp and firework’s night. Our dog hates fireworks; fireworks that come with our quaint tradition of burning effigies of terrorists.
Storm and firework phobia is a terrible problem for many pets but vets have actually started to treat the condition better over the last decade as the behaviourists got involved. The main breakthrough has been the realisation we should never solely rely on using drugs to just sedate dogs that have a behavioural problem.
It is natural to be afraid of loud noises. BANG! (See what I mean… terrifying!). Likewise, it is normal to then try and run away and hide– it protects you from things like falling trees, rocks and predators who want to eat or fight you. The behavioural problem arises when an animal ‘learns’ to overreact to these sounds and then escalates the reaction to an intense phobic behaviour. Behaviours I have had described include panting, pacing, whining, howling, trembling, digging and chewing at (or even running through) doors. Many dogs and some cats will seek reassurance from their owner. Most owners will understandably stroke their pet – this actually makes the behaviour worse.
In conclusion, although fear of storm-related stimuli and noises can be very distressing for pets and owners, pets with storm and noise phobias are often responsive to appropriate treatment. Where you can tailor the treatment to the animal results can be excellent.
Ben Hynes is a veterinary surgeon at Abbey Vets
