THE BIG BANG SEASON

We are rapidly approaching the “festive season”, that insane time when there seems to be a necessity to mark every celebration or occasion with a display of fireworks. Over the last number of years, the trend appears to be “the louder the bang, the more enjoyment ”! For humans, it can be very entertaining, but unfortunately the same cannot be said for very many of our family pets.

Noise phobias

Fearful or anxious reactions to various sounds, particularly sharp unexpected sounds, can be seen in many dogs of all ages. However, as our dogs get older, many are inclined to become more susceptible to developing noise phobias. There are many reasons and triggers that can cause a dog to react adversely to startling noises or strange sounds. Some medical conditions like ear infections or musculoskeletal pain can also be a catalyst in creating fear-related changes in our dogs’ behaviour. Stress is one of the most common triggers causing behaviour changes. Even in dogs that have never displayed any uneasiness or fear when encountering loud or starling noises, there can be no guarantee that in a stressful situation they will not display a fear response or other noise sensitivity behaviours.

Things to do to help reduce noise phobias.

No guarantees can be given when treating noise phobias but the effects can be controlled and managed.

Desensitising and socialising our dogs at puppy stage, especially environmental socialising, will help them to be less concerned when faced with any frightening sounds. In older dogs or dogs that already have noise sensitive issues, there are several things we can do to assist them.

Do’s

• Crate training gives the dog a safe place to go to if they are feeling threatened. Place the crate in a quiet area in the house and teach your dog that this is a secure comfortable place they can retreat to if feeling threatened. A cosy, comfy bed can also be used as a positive “safe place” where the dogs can feel reassured.
• Plan in advance. If you know there is a thunderstorm approaching or there is a likelihood of fireworks being set off, e.g. Guy Fawkes, Diwali, New Year celebration etc. then make sure windows and doors are closed prior to the onslaught of the “sudden and startling” sounds. Encourage your dogs to go to the safe place you have created for them.
• Prepare some tasty treats like lick mats, ice lollies, stuffed kongs and give the dogs a treat in their safe place.
• Play some fun nose work games with the dogs e.g. hide some high value tasty treats in and around their safe area and urge them to search for the treats.
• If using medication to assist with their anxiety, make sure it is administered timeously. If the medication is only given after the anxiety has started, then it will be less effective.

Don’ts

• Never reprimand, shout or punish your dogs if they display any discomfort or fear due to loud startling noises, this will only compound the situation.
• Do not ignore your dogs if they come to you for reassurance when feeling fearful. The concept that you will reinforce anxiety if you comfort the dog is outed dated. However, avoid fussing over the dog rather remain calm and redirect the dog’s attention to the conditioned safe place.
• Comfort and psychological support can be given to the dog by playing nose work and other games in the dog’s safe place. This will help to distract the dog from the cause of the anxiety/stress and redirect the dog’s focus to something fun and enjoyable.