My golden retriever, Jessie, is happy most of the time. But at the sound of thunder or fireworks, she morphs into a pacing, whimpering mess. Jessie’s not alone. “In one survey, roughly one-third of owners reported their dog had some sort of phobia,” says veterinarian Amy Pike.
Phobias often show up early in a pet’s life, Pike says. The most common fears: loud noises and interactions with new people or other animals. Genetics may be a factor, but lack of socialisation or traumatising events such as abandonment or abuse can also spur phobias.
And while some signs of fear are obvious (panting, whining, trembling), there are some less noticeable ones, like excessive yawning, scratching and decreased appetite.
Remedies for Relief
So, what can you do if your furry friend starts to panic? First, rule out any medical issues. But if your pet is physically healthy, behavioural disorders can be treated in various ways.
“Each situation is different, so pets need individualised treatment plans,” explains veterinarian and pet behaviour specialist Dr Jeannine Berger. Vets may prescribe aromatherapy, pheromones or anti-anxiety meds. Your pet may also need behavioural therapy to learn how to respond differently in stressful situations.
A veterinary behaviourist will be able to suggest techniques like counterconditioning — which aims to change your pet’s emotions by associating a fear with something positive (imagine your pet getting a treat while listening to a recording of a storm played at a low volume).
Still, some pet phobias are difficult to cure and have to simply be managed, which means avoiding the trigger. When a pet has an outburst of fear, never scold; simply remove him from the situation, suggests Berger.
For Jessie, the removal tactic works best. At the first crack of thunder or boom of fireworks, I whisk her away to my bedroom, where she rides out the storm or celebration, anxiety-free.
(Discover more ways to get relief from anxiety in the Dec/Jan issue of Prevention.)
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