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Fear factor...
Win a trip to Colorado! Back to Home > News > Friday, Feb 02, 2007 News 2 Use Posted on Fri, Feb. 02, 2007 email this print this STAR-TELEGRAM/JIM ATHERTON ILLUS.
Fear of thunderstorms or other loud noises is a common problem for dogs, less so for cats. Often, the fear worsens with each exposure to the offending noise and may quickly progress to a phobia, which is an exaggerated, irrational fear response to a noxious stimulus.
Technically, noise phobias and storm phobias are not the same. But an estimated 90 percent of dogs with storm phobias have noise phobias, and 75 percent of dogs with noise phobias have storm phobias.
A successful treatment strategy needs to be multifaceted. A basic plan should combine behavior modification, medication, environment change, noise reduction and the creation of a safe haven.
Behavior modification involves desensitization and counter-conditioning.
Desensitization is exposure to the sounds of a fear-producing stimulus such as a CD recording of thunder or fireworks. Initially, the volume is high enough for the pet to hear but low enough not to be scary. The volume is gradually increased.
Counter-conditioning is playing with the pet or giving it treats while the CD is playing. This produces a positive association with the noise.
It is important that owners not give treats, console or punish the pet when fear is exhibited. This will only reinforce fearful behavior. Medications that can help include: Fluoxetine (Prozac), Clomipramine (Clomicalm), Amitriptyline (Elavil), Alprazolam (Xanax) and Diazepam (Valium).
Medications can be used individually or in combination. Sometimes, medication is given only before a noisy event such as a Fourth of July fireworks display. Other medications are given throughout the storm season.
Because many pets feel comfortable in small spaces, a crate or a bathroom can be used as a safe haven. If using the bathroom, leave the light on and run the fan to block outside noise. If using a crate, cover it with a blanket and leave the door open. Cats usually prefer a closet or drawer.
The scent of lavender has been reported to reduce anxiety in humans and dogs. A diffuser in the bathroom or next to the crate may help.
Noise and storm phobias are hard to treat and are rarely completely cured. But the combination of behavior modification, medication and creation of a safe haven will go a long way toward managing and easing the fear.
Most pets will exhibit multiple signs, and many will show other signs.
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