Fireworks phobia – What works, what to avoid

fireworks

Is everybody ready for earsplitting blasts? Mick, the Nichol family Border collie will do OK; he knows his folks will be on duty. There are pure bred and mixed dogs, and plenty of cats of indeterminate parentage, who are genetically programmed for noise phobia. And because the brain is a plastic organ, meaning repetition tends to strengthen its circuits, July 4th freak-outs can worsen each year. It’s a problem that often shares canine cabezas with separation anxiety.

Shelter from the aerial bombardment and light flashes will be essential. Dogs may hide, tremble, drool, cry, vomit, urinate or even pass diarrhea. Some escape their yards. Allow your cat or dog to find relief anywhere they feel better: a bathroom, closet, or a crate that’s covered on top and all 4 sides (door open), nestled away from windows and exterior walls. Close the blinds and turn off the TV.

You can mask the racket with white noise or a loud fan. “Through a Dog’s Ear” and “Through a Cat’s Ear” is music that promotes calming alpha brain waves.  Mutt Muffs, comfy and well tolerated, will dampen the volume. A Zenidog pheromone diffuser can reduce stress.

With their morning meal delayed a dog or cat can focus on extracting sustenance from a food-dispensing toy or puzzle. Engaging their brain, mouth, and paws will divert their attention away from your neighbor’s pyrotechnic proclivities.

Oral antianxiety medications can make a huge difference. Alprazolam, trazodone, and clonidine are helpful for dogs; lorazepam or gabapentin work well for cats. A prescription gel, called Sileo, is given between a dog’s lower lip and gum to diminish the heebie jeebies starting before or even during the artillery assault. Repeat Sileo every 2 hours until the cataclysm passes. And it’s safe when given with other medications. Don’t just “wait and see.” Your veterinarian can prescribe any or all of these ahead of the “holiday.”

Finally, avoid acepromazine. Only a sedative, it prevents an agitated pet from escaping its angst. Groggy but no calmer, they’re trapped in a chemical straightjacket. Modern medicine is best.
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For help with behavior problems, you can sign-up for a Zoom Group Conference on my website, drjeffnichol.com.

Dr. Jeff Nichol is a residency-trained veterinary behaviorist. He provides consultations in-person and in groups by Zoom (drjeffnichol.com). Each week he shares a blog and a video to help bring out the best in pets and their people. Sign up at no charge at drjeffnichol.com. Post pet questions through my website, drjeffnichol.com/contact/ or by US Post to 4000 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Albuq, NM 87109.