Noises can trigger pets' survival instinct
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7/3/2008 - 7/4/08
The rockets' red glare and bombs bursting in air might be great for patriotic fervor, but for many pets, it inspires a more classic response: flee.
"For them, it's scary," said Nina Chiotasso with the Española Humane Society. "In my experience, shelters get a lot of dogs on July 4th because with the noise from fireworks, they jump over fences or break out of houses. They'll even go through screen doors."
Independence Day celebrations are especially troublesome for animals sensitive to thunderstorms or unexpected noises. To them, it's not a pop and crack, Chiotasso said, but a frightful sound they can't smell, see or escape. So they run, hide or turn their fear into something destructive.
"You feel bad for them, because there's not much you can do," she said. "All they want to do is get away."
Short of soundproof rooms, a few strategies can make the holiday safe for sensitive pets, Chiotasso and other animal-welfare workers said. An obvious tip is to avoid fireworks displays and keep your pet safe indoors. That means closing windows and doors, darkening the room and leaving on the TV or radio for comforting background noise. Dogs or cats should not be left outside alone.
If you're away and expect holiday noise in the neighborhood, Chiotasso recommends you leave the pet with a toy, such as a Kong, or other chewable toy. A long walk with the dog and a meal before evening festivities will help reduce stress.
Giving the dog a job, such as retrieving a tennis ball or gnawing on a rawhide chew can help distract the animal during fireworks. "Make it as comfortable for them as you can," she said.
It's also important not to "reward the fear," animal behaviorists say. That means remaining calm during loud outbursts and not coddling them. It's the first step in helping animals learn to deal with loud noises.
Deborah Tolar, a Santa Fe dog trainer, said she's been dealing with anxious pets all week at her property in Pojoaque, where fireworks are legal and popular. She's trying to desensitize one dog by playing a rigorous game of fetch with him during the noise.
"It's not going well," she said. "No one wants to go outside. But I try to get an enthusiastic game going and always end it on a positive note."
Most people who know their dogs are sensitive to noise have already picked up tranquilizers for the holiday, said Kathy Brooks, a veterinarian at Smith Veterinary Hospital. Thunderstorm season, coupled with the holiday, make it an especially trying time.
Working breeds, such as border collies, have the most difficulty with the noise, she said. "It's hard for them to desensitize to the noise because you can't plan for thunderstorms. It's six weeks of noise and then it's over."
There are several medications available to help ease an animal's anxiety, said clerks at The Critters & Me, a Santa Fe pet store that specializes in natural pet foods. Several products contain calming herbs that work as a natural tranquilizer. Many of the popular products are sold for calming an animal while traveling.
One woman said her 80-pound Akita "goes crazy" when subjected to the noise from fireworks. But given the supplements, the dog settles down for the evening. "It definitely works," she said.
Stronger medications, such as tranquilizers, are available through veterinarian clinics. And over-the-counter antihistamine, which contains a slight sedative, can help, Brooks said. But owners should check with their veterinarians before giving any dose or other medication.
"The best thing is avoidance," Brooks said. "Keep them safe and secure and try to distract them."
Contact Ben Swan at 986-3051 or bswan@sfnewmexican.com.
KEEP YOUR PET SAFE
The Humane Society of the United States offers these tips to make sure your Independence Day festivities are equally pleasant for your pets:
Resist the urge to take your pet to fireworks displays. Your pet might share your enthusiasm for celebration but could react adversely to loud noises and crowds.
Do not leave your pet in the car. Your pet can suffer serious health problems in a short time with only hot air to breathe in a vehicle. Partially opened windows don't provide sufficient air and leave your pet vulnerable to thieves.
Keep your pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure you've removed any items your pet could destroy or would be harmful to your pet if chewed. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume for company.
If you know your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian or pet store. Several calming medications and herbs are available to help your pet through a noisy celebration.
Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn't leave the yard may escape and become lost or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.
Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly. Animals found running at-large should be taken to the local animal shelter, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners.