Dealing with fireworks anxiety

Fireworks anxiety

Anxiety and therefore stress caused by fireworks can occur in all kinds of animals in mild and severe forms. The fear of loud noises is a natural fear that is directly linked to survival instinct. Practically every animal will react when hearing a loud noise, though some animals are more sensitive than others. Animals can develop a severe fear of loud noises when they have had bad experiences or when they have been frightened repeatedly. The fear and panic that they experience is often considerable.

What can I do when my pet has a fear of fireworks?

In the best case scenario you prevent your dog or cat (or other pet) from developing a fear of fireworks. Unfortunately, your pet can develop a fear of fireworks anyway. The good news is that there are various ways to deal with a fear of fireworks or to prevent it, if you start early enough.

Behavioural therapy is the only way to get rid of your pet’s fear of fireworks, making it a permanent solution. Changing a behaviour does require a lot of time and patience. It’s wise to seek help from a professional. Behavioural therapy usually means sound desensitisation. Sound desensitisation helps your dog or cat get used to the sound of fireworks. Behavioural therapy can be combined with medication prescribed by your veterinarian. Other products may also help your pet to relax. Examples of these products are a Thundershirt, a pheromone diffuser or supplements. The different possibilities are explained below.

Behavioural therapy for fear of fireworks

It has been proven that desensitising animals to noises (sound desensitisation) is the best method for changing your pet’s reaction to stressful noises. With sound desensitisation you expose your pet to scary noises in his home environment while distracting him with something fun. You can use a special training CD for this. You introduce the CD by playing it for short periods of time at a low volume and, when your pet shows improvement, gradually increasing length and volume. In dogs and cats that already show anxiety and stress under normal circumstances, support from medication can help during training. Dr. Ann’s Stress Reduction is an example of a supplement that provides some extra support. It’s recommended to see a behavioural therapist should your dog or cat have an extreme fear of fireworks or a generalised fear of loud noises. Together, you will be able to set up a suitable training schedule.

Would you like more information on fear of fireworks and training? Read our blog post on firework training.

Calming supplements

Feliway for cats

Feliway is a synthetic copy of a cat’s facial pheromone. This pheromone is used by cats to mark their territory as safe. By replicating the cat’s natural facial pheromones, Feliway gives cats a safe feeling in their home environment. This allows the pheromones to be used to make cats feel at ease and to comfort them when they are confronted with things such as fireworks. You can use both the Feliway Spray and the Feliway diffuser for this. Use the diffuser at least 1-2 weeks prior to the event for an optimal result.

Adaptil (D.A.P.) pheromones for dogs

Adaptil, an analogue of the natural pheromone produced by dogs, has the same effect as the substance that is secreted by mother dogs. The soothing effect makes the animal feel more at ease. Adaptil is effective without side effects and easy to use. Because it does not have a sedative effect, the pet remain completely alert. Dogs will play with their owners as usual and will not become drowsy or sleepy. Adaptil is a product with a remarkable effectiveness in various forms of unwanted behaviour, including fear of fireworks. The product is available as Adaptil diffuser, Adaptil Spray and Adaptil Collar. Use the diffuser at least 1-2 weeks prior to the event for an optimal result.

Calming food supplements

Research has shown that certain nutrients have a soothing and/or positive effect on an animal’s mood. By adding these substances into the food, the symptoms of stress in animals can be reduced considerably. The food supplements have no side effects, such as drowsiness or memory loss. If you want these products to be effective, it is important that you start using them about 4 weeks before the event. Many products must be given for at least 4 consecutive weeks.

Adaptil Chews

The tasty Adaptil chews provide a quick and temporary relaxing effect in stressful situations such as fireworks, travel or thunderstorms. In contrast to other Adaptil products, the Adaptil chews are not based on pheromones. The chews contain a combination of natural amino acids, GABA and Vitamin B complex. Many scientific and clinical studies have proven the positive effect of the natural active substances on the reduction of fear. The chews should be given two hours before the event.

Telizen

The natural, calming food supplement Telizen for cats and dogs has the active component L-Theanine (an amino acid), which is also contained in green tea. Telizen reduces the behaviour that is associated with fear and tension, and helps the animal to relax. It is recommended that you give the product for at least 2 months for the best results.

Zylkene

Zylkene is a natural, hypoallergenic food supplement containing a protein (alpha-casozepine), which is also in mother’s milk. This product can help dogs, cats and horses in stressful situations (such as fear of fireworks). In animals with a fear of fireworks, it is advised that you start using Zylkène at least 1 week before the event.

Calmeze

Calmeze is a fast-acting, liquid food supplement containing L-Tryptophan and L-Theanine as the active substances.

AmiQure Stress

AmiQure Stress Dog or Cat is a food supplement based on high-quality natural ingredients. The product makes cats and dogs less sensitive, without making them drowsy.

Bach Rescue Remedy

Bach Rescue Remedy for Pets are a 100% natural remedy that offer quick relief in stressful situations. The Bach Rescue drops for pets can be used straight away for anxiety or stressful situations. Bach Rescue Remedy Pets – Alcohol Free like other products from Bach Rescue, contain the five flower remedies of the Original Bach Flower formula.

CBD and fear of fireworks

In the last couple of years, CBD has become more prevalent in veterinary care. The effects of CBD are not entirely science based. It has been proven to have a positive effect on pets in specific situations, though it’s impossible to predict the effect in specific animals. It’s also wise to inform your veterinarian when you’re giving your pet CBD, as it can affect the metabolism of the liver. If your pet’s already on medication, changing the dosing may be necessary. Examples of available CBD products are Natupet with products specific for dogs and cats and the SPARROW Pet Full Spectrum Hemp Oil with CBD 225.

Food

Royal Canin Calm Diet

Instead of calming food supplements, Royal Canin has composed a complete diet, which contains these calming substances. This food can also play a role in combating the physical symptoms resulting from stress. Royal Canin Calm for dogs and cats contains the milk protein alpha-casozepine. This has a calming effect that is comparable to the effect of valium, but without the side effects of this medication, such as addiction and drowsiness. In addition, it contains added L-Tryptophan, which has a positive effect on certain moods such as restlessness and fear, appetite and sleeping behaviour.

ThunderShirt

ThunderShirt works by applying pressure to the dog’s body. This pressure calms the dog. This product is often effective from the first use, but some dogs need time to get used to wearing the ThunderShirt. The shirt exerts gentle, constant pressure, which has a calming effect on most dogs when they are anxious, scared or hyperactive. Experts believe that pressure has a calming effect on the nervous system. Relieving fear and soothing by using pressure has been common practice for many years, for example when swaddling infants. The ThunderShirt is relatively new to the market, but is thought to be very effective.

The natural method of Animal Health

This is a combination of several products, including: Groene Os Cox Compositum for Dogs and Cats, Puur Nervo for Horses, supplemented in acute cases by Bach Rescue Drops or Bach Rescue Spray.

Combining different methods

Combining different methods is often a sensible choice when dealing with a fear of fireworks. We offer handy packs that are perfect of this. For dogs, we have the Anti-Stress Pack consisting of a Thundershirt and an Adaptil Diffuser or the Adaptil Chews. For both dogs and cats, we have the Prevention Pack Fear (of Fireworks) consisting of Puur Tranquil, Puur Nervo and Puur Calm.

If you want to use a different combination, you should discuss this with a vet who is familiar with your pet or a behavioural therapist. You can also contacts our veterinary team at veteriarian@vetsend.co.uk and together we’ll look at the best approach for you and your pet.

For a complete overview of our products, go to stress and anxiety product for dogs or cats.

Tips for dogs and fireworks

• Prevent your dog from coming into close contact with fireworks. This may cause a lifelong fear of fireworks and/or loud noises.
• Try to take your dogs for walks in areas where there is no fireworks.
• Keep your dog on-lead during walks to prevent your dog from running away.
• Take your dog on a walk long before the fireworks are kicking off.
• Give your dog a toy or a chew on New Year’s Eve or Bonfire Night.
• Make sure someone stays with your dog.
• Keep your curtains closed so the firework lights won’t scare your dog. Turn on music or the TV to drown most of the sounds of the fireworks.
• Allow your dog to be close to you, it is okay to comfort your dog.
• Prevent your dog from chewing on discarded fireworks.

Tips for cats and fireworks

• Cats may feel most safe in a hiding place. Try to give your cat opportunities to hide (i.e. place a box somewhere).
• Make sure your cat is inside on time and stays inside.
• If Matatabi calms your cat, give him this. Make sure to try it out beforehand.
• Keep your curtains closed and turn on music.
• Keep the lights inside on so flashes are less noticeable.
• Some cats are really people-focused and like being close to someone when the fireworks are going off.

Rabbits and fireworks

Rabbits can be afraid of fireworks, too. Just like cats and dogs, their hearing is much better developed than our hearing. The loud bangs can be very stressful, especially for rabbits that are kept outside.

Tips for birds, rabbits and guinea pigs and fireworks

• Light flashes may cause problems with birds, rabbits and guinea pigs. Closing the curtains or covering the cage with a blanket would be best.
• Rabbits and guinea pigs like to hide, provide opportunity for this.
• Put the cage inside during Bonfire Night or New Year’s Eve, for example in the garage or scullery. Make sure to prevent big changes in temperature.
• Keep lights inside on (even if you’re not home) so flashes are less noticeable.
• Is it impossible to keep your pet’s cage inside? Make sure the cage is out of reach of any fireworks.

Anti-Anxiety medication from your veterinarian

If your pet’s fear of fireworks, and the resulting stress, is severe, we recommend that you contact your veterinarian. They can advise you on the method that is most likely to succeed for your animal, or whether it is more sensible to used other medication alongside it. Never give your dog medication without discussing it with your veterinarian, as the effects on your pet can be unpredictable. Misuse can have dangerous consequences.

Do you feel like your dog or cat is senstive to stress in general and could use some extra support? Check our our extensive assortment for stress and anxiety products for dogs and cats, or contact us for advice.

For more information on the discussed products, check out vetsend.co.uk or contact our vet at veterinarian@vetsend.co.uk.