Generally, efforts to reduce firework fears target owners of dogs and cats that show obvious signs of sound sensitivity, but they fail to address the distress of less overt responders or pets, such as the majority of cats, that hide away and hence remain undetected. As fear and subsequent phobia of firework-related sounds can develop at any stage in an animal's life, and can later lead to problems such as destructive behaviour, agoraphobia and separation-related problems, preventative and first aid advice is imperative for all pets during late October and early November. Following this it is important to initiate longer-term support that will provide appropriate treatment.
Spotting the pet that is vulnerable to firework fears
Although many dogs will discreetly suffer the distress of exposure to firework-related noises, owners should look out for facial changes such as tension, widening of the eyes and backwards facing ears. The dog may pant or breath more rapidly and as it is likely to be seeking a place of safety it may pace, try to get into corners, darker rooms, smaller spaces or dig at flooring. Dogs may show increased alertness to noises and may bark; some may seek reassurance from their owners, soliciting touch or other contact, yet they may be unable to accept treats or to respond to opportunities to play. Owners may observe drooling, shaking or whining, and although some dogs may appear over-excited, others may seem excessively quiet, while others may defecate or urinate if left alone or if too frightened to go outside to toilet.
Sound-related distress in cats is harder for owners to spot, as cats are more likely to hide in a place where owners can't observe them. But owners may notice the cat hiding in unusual places, scratching at areas near windows or doors or spraying items in the home. Cats that are normally keen to engage with owners may avoid them and be reticent to play. Some cats may eat more than usual, but some will refuse to eat; others may groom more than normal or toilet in abnormal areas.
Basic preventative and first aid advice for owners
- Create a safe place—a small, darkened, sound-proof den for a dog and try to place it somewhere that the dog 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 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 and Sileo for dogs and Feliway Classic for cats.
Conclusion
With at least 50% of the pet population likely to suffer from firework-related distress, owners should be encouraged to assume that the companion animal in their care WILL be susceptible to distress this November and all pet owners should be encouraged to make adequate preparations for sound-related events. Once the firework season has passed, practices can enhance patient welfare by encouraging followup visits to address noise sensitivities prior to the 2019 New Year firework season.