How to reduce the impact of firework season for owners of sound sensitive pets
Abstract
Introduction
Studies estimate that 49% of the canine population are affected by sound sensitivity, with fireworks and thunderstorms being particularly problematic. It is reasonable to assume that a large proportion of pet species will be similarly affected, particularly those from prey species (including cats, horses and rabbits) for whom sensitivity to changes in sound is highly adaptive. As a consequence, firework displays and thunder storms are a major welfare problem for the majority of companion animals. Yet the seasonal nature of the problem leads many owners to overlook the enormity of the issue and its potential to infiltrate into other aspects of their pet's life. This article aims to assist veterinary staff in providing practical guidance to all pet owners, ensuring that fewer pets are sensitised in the future, and that the welfare of pets with existing sound sensitivity is not further depleted.
With an increasing awareness of professional responsibilities comes a requirement to place the same emphasis on the mental and emotional needs of patients as is given to their physical needs (Shepherd, 2009), making behavioural awareness an integral part of ‘best practice’. Consequently, when events occur that impact on the emotional welfare of an extensive proportion of the pet population, it becomes an essential part of the veterinary team's role to minimise the welfare effects by maximising owner understanding regarding reducing their pet's exposure to the problem.
Hence, this is the time of year when client education regarding sound sensitivity should become a priority for the veterinary team. Whether via an informational email to the client base, inviting clients who have previously purchased anxiety reducing products at this time of year to open information clinics, or raiding the petty cash for money to purchase a few bottles of wine and packets of crisps to tempt clients in for an educational meeting, no practice that has a computerised records system can have an excuse for failing to become proactive in client education aimed at reducing the impact of fireworks on the pet population.
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