The latest 2019 PDSA Animal Welfare Report (just published — see below) informs us that 23% of the UK's 9.9 million companion dog population is reported by owners to be fearful of the sounds associated with fireworks. Yet this sub-set of the UK's canine population only accounts for those dogs whose owners actually recognise the signs that fearful dogs display, suggesting that there is a huge population of dogs that are less overt responders to sound sensitivity, that remain suffering yet unnoticed. Additionally, when owners find it so difficult to identify the suffering of their companion dog, that spends the majority of its day in close proximity to them, how can they possibly be expected to identify the noise-related distress of other companion species without considerable veterinary-related focus on the problem? So, when sound sensitivity is such an obvious welfare problem, why is it that the veterinary profession only become animated about it just prior to the annual ‘firework’ season?
It is currently time to initiate immediate preparations to support sound sensitive pets in preparation for 5th November and New Year; but following that it is also the practice's responsibility to maintain client contact and ongoing support for these animals. Use computerised records to identify clients who purchase firework season-related products and draw clients into the practice for ‘Sound Sensitivity’ events that occur in January, when there is time for owners to actually make a difference in their pet's capacity to cope with firework sounds. There is a simple to use sound sensitivity survey (see below) that can be used to assess the level of distress currently experienced by an animal and the level of support that it is likely to require. Dogs Trust's website provides both the sound tracks and advice for desensitising and counter-conditioning pets to problem sounds. If necessary, a referral can be made to a Clinical Animal Behaviourist (see APBC, ASAB and ABTC website details below).
However, for immediate support, ensure that clients are familiar with the following advice that can benefit any companion animal species:
- Create a safe place — a small, darkened, sound-proof den and try to place it somewhere that the animal would naturally go when anxious. Cats need to be able to get to an established, small, high position (such as an igloo bed on a shelf). Owners should establish these hiding places prior to firework events.
- Dogs should be taken out to toilet before it becomes dark and litter trays should be provided in the room with a cat's ‘safe place’.
- No matter how irritating a pet's anxiety or fear-related behaviour may be, never use a raised voice or other punishment.
- Protect the pet from firework noises, keeping it indoors after dark, close curtains, doors and windows. Mask noises with background sounds from the TV or radio.
- If the pet solicits it, provide support without paying excessive attention; if the pet is worried by a bang and approaches an owner for support, offer affection without being too effusive. Remain relaxed yet offer play and treats, but don't confuse the pet with out-of-character and over-enthusiastic attempts to entertain it. When the pet has calmed, try to distract it with an easy game or searching for a treat.
- Don't leave the pet alone in the home.
- Pets should be microchipped and preferably wearing a tag in case they escape and bolt from the home.
If a pet has previously shown signs of firework-related distress, chemical support should be provided, e.g. Adaptil (Ceva) and Sileo (Zoetis) for dogs and Feliway Classic (Ceva) for cats.
Sound sensitivity is a severely debilitating condition, and if it was a problem that could be vaccinated against, all 2 ¼ million affected dogs would be called into veterinary practices. Don't simply supply immediate first aid advice; instead, also make a note in your diary to remember your intention to provide long-term intervention in your clients' pets' distress.
