Sedatives and Tranquilisers
Although sedatives and tranquilizer tablets have traditionally been
prescribed in the past to treat fears and phobias in the short term,
new research has shown that this type of drug blocks the motor activity
but sensitises the dog to auditory stimulation - meaning that the
dog is immobile and unable to hide but can still hear the fireworks
therefore making him more fearful to future noises.
There are other types of drug therapy which can be used in conjunction
with Desensitisation and Counter- Conditioning which may help speed
up the process. As part of our usual procedure, drugs cannot be
dispense without prior consultation with one of our vets.
Noise and fear phobias can take some time to identify and treat,
however we are happy to offer assistance where we can.
Preventative guidance checklist
Here is a checklist for short-term preventative guidance which can
help in making your dog feel secure during thunderstorms and flrework
displays.
Do not take a sound sensitive dog to places
where phobic events are likely, e.g. fields where there is
shooting or a crow-scarer.
Avoid close proximity to the launch of
fireworks where dogs will hear whistles and whooshes that
could cause sensitisation to other sounds.
Do not restrict access to escape routes
unless there is a very important reason to do so (e.g. behind a
TV). Try to open up opportunities to escape (e.g. cupboard under
the stairs or under a bed).
Do not sympathise with or get angry with
a fearful or phobic dog as either will add to the emotional
intensity of the situation and will increase the likelihood of future
problems.
Do not force animals to confront their
fears by, for example, dragging them to places where they
are reluctant to go.
Please feel free to ask our vets for advice
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