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.
