FRIGHT NIGHT - DAP AND FELIWAY
Many pets become very scared of sudden loud bangs and any unusually loud noises. This can develop into a full-blown phobia, often most apparent in response to the sounds of fireworks. Dogs in particular might tremble pitifully, while attempting to hide in wardrobes/under the stairs, or chew through doors and the like to try and escape. Cats and other small pets (living indoors or outside) will often sit wide eyed and terrified, not knowing what to do or where to go.There are a number of things which can be done to help. Some of these are simple and easy, others involve more planning and preparation. Here are some of the things to bear in mind:
Firstly keep your pets safe. They are much better kept indoors. Cats should be locked inside (remember the cat flap) and dogs should be exercised before the noises start. Ideally have pet’s microchipped, so that if they do get out and try and escape, they can be traced more easily.
Close all doors and windows to help keep the noise out. Close curtains where possible, to help muffle sounds and control flashes of light.
Try and stay with your pet, and be as calm and relaxed yourself as possible. Do not try to reassure your dog or cat, or make a fuss over him/her, it does not help. Also never show any anger, or try to tell him/her off. Ideally you should shut your pet into a safe area, and stay there yourself. Have something to do, such as read a book or interact quietly with other family members, and ignore what is going on as much as possible. If a dog comes over to you, it is OK to give him/her a quiet stroke, then stop and get back with what you were doing. Making any sort of fuss about things just signals to your pet that there really is a problem and it is worth getting scared about it.
Try to provide a hide-away area or den. It should be enclosed and have lots of soft bedding. A wardrobe or cupboard might work. Lots of blankets or old duvets will help to make it cosy and absorb some of the sound. Cats like to get up high and be out of the way. If possible try to leave them in a hiding place. They are best left there if this is what they choose, but try to remain quietly nearby if you can. Being there and being relaxed is a great help.
Dog Appeasing Pheromones (DAP) or Feliway (the equivalent for cats) can be a significant help. Diffusers which release these calming chemicals into the room are not noticed by us, but are picked up by the animals' more sensitive noses, encouraging a feeling of being at ease.
If you are going to let off fireworks yourself, then you can buy the less noisy varieties, and make sure your pets are well out of the way first. (Rabbit/Guinea pig hutches can be moved away and partly covered with old blankets.) Avoid the firecracker types if possible. Products like DAP and Feliway and are very safe and worth trying if you have had problems in the past. Most animals get worse with the fear of loud noises as they get older (until they begin to go deaf!) so it is worth doing something for your pet.
DAP and Feliway are now available to buy at Scampers in the heart of Cambridgeshire, on the A142 Soham Bypass between Ely and Newmarket..
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