How are fireworks or thunderstorm fears and phobias treated?
Behavior modification and medication are regularly used to treat fears and phobias related to fireworks and thunderstorms. A behavior modification technique commonly used to reduce fear is called systematic desensitization and counterconditioning.
- Counterconditioning therapy creates a new, favorable emotional response to a stimulus.
- Desensitization gradually increases the intensity of a stimulus to help dogs acclimate and reduce their fear.
How do counterconditioning and desensitization work?
Step 1: Create a positive emotional response. The first step in counterconditioning is to create a positive emotional response in a certain context. For example, food treats can be used to reward the dog for lying down and relaxing on a mat). Once dogs are conditioned to settle on a mat or bed, they begin to automatically relax when they are presented with their mat. Ensure that your dog can relax on cue before beginning purposeful exposure to the stimulus during desensitization.
Step 2: Begin desensitization training. Once you have conditioned your dog to relax, you can begin desensitization training. In a counterconditioning and desensitization program, your dog will receive food rewards for engaging in the conditioned behavior (settling on the mat). While your dog is enjoying the reward, you can present the trigger stimulus at a very low level.
Step 3: Gradually increase exposure. As sessions progress, you can gradually increase the intensity of the trigger stimulus. Try to identify your dog’s favorite treats and save those for the desensitization sessions. Your dog should ultimately look forward to each new exposure.
For some active and playful dogs, you can help create a positive emotional state through play or even tricks for treats. These games can be introduced instead of settling on a mat and can be paired with gradual exposure to the scary sound.
What is the best location for desensitization sessions?
Choose a location where your dog may be comfortable when storms or fireworks occur. If possible, find a room where sounds are naturally muted. If there is no ideal location, train your dog to relax on a mat, which you can move to different areas. This training is helpful if you travel with your dog.
A crate can be a haven for some dogs and can be used for conditioned relaxation. However, many dogs panic and could seriously injure themselves if confined during loud noises. If you are unable to monitor carefully, do not confine your dog during fireworks or a storm.
What is the best time to start treatment?
It is best to begin this training at a time of year when fireworks or thunderstorms are not likely to occur. An accidental exposure to the stimulus at full intensity can erase any progress you have made with desensitization.
How do I organize a desensitization and counterconditioning session?
Before you begin, download the sound that triggers your dog’s fear response (e.g., thunder or fireworks). Consider connecting to a Bluetooth speaker for the best sound quality. Begin desensitization only when you are confident that your dog can remain relaxed on cue (settle). Plan for sessions that last about 30 to 45 minutes.
1. Practice the settle. At the start of each session, spend a few minutes practicing the settle.
2. Introduce the sound at a barely audible level. It is important to begin with a volume that does not cause any distress. Ask your dog to settle and reward calm posture using treats. If your dog enjoys gentle petting, you may also use petting or massage. After all, a long-term goal is for your dog to be fully relaxed and perhaps even fall asleep.
3. Gradually increase the volume. After two sessions at a very low sound level, if your dog remains calm, you can progress to a third session.
- Begin the third session at the same very low sound level.
- After a few minutes, increase the volume slightly.
- Continue progressing at this pace, increasing the volume only as your dog remains relaxed, until your dog can relax while the sound is played at full volume.
4. Keep realistic expectations. It can be difficult to reproduce a realistic firework or thunderstorm event during retraining. Components such as darkening skies, pelting rain, flashes of light, and changes in barometric pressure can all contribute to increased fear.
Although some of these elements can be incorporated into a desensitization program, many dogs are still unable to fully relax during a real storm. These dogs can benefit from medications that further reduce fear and anxiety.
How often should sessions be done?
It is important to schedule regular training sessions. Without regular training, your dog can regress. It is helpful to train every day when possible. Progress may be very slow if training is only done once a week.
How long will this training program take?
A counterconditioning and desensitization program can take several weeks. The goal is for your dog to remain relaxed when exposed to the trigger sound at full volume. Once your dog has reached this stage, it is important to continue regular practice.
Plan to play the sound at full volume at least once a week throughout the year to help maintain your dog’s progress. During these exposures, sometimes practice the relaxation settle and reward calm behavior. At other times, simply expose your dog to the sound without asking for a specific behavior.
What should I do if my dog doesn’t seem to be making any progress?
If progress is not steady, consult your veterinarian for further advice or help. Sound sensitivity may be exacerbated by concurrent medical or behavioral conditions.
What happens if my dog is not trained in time for the storm season?
Medications or pheromones could be helpful if your dog is not fully desensitized before the season for storms or fireworks.
Can drugs help?
There are many applications for anxiety-reducing medication. In preparation for the storm or fireworks season, your veterinarian may recommend using medication daily, such as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor. This ongoing medication may reduce the fear response during an unexpected event and can also help dogs that are not responding appropriately to the counterconditioning and desensitization training.
During the off-season, medication can be used as needed, when a storm or fireworks display is anticipated. Most anti-anxiety medications must be given at least an hour before an event. These medications may also be used to supplement your dog’s daily medication during the storm season.
Are there other products that might be useful?
There are many non-pharmaceutical veterinary products used to reduce anxiety in dogs, such as Solliquin® and Zylkene®. Some dogs respond well to melatonin. These products are very safe and can often be combined with traditional medication. Check with your veterinarian before giving your dog any therapeutic product as side effects and drug interactions may occur.
Anxiety wraps such as the Thundershirt™ are designed to help dogs relax and are worth trying. Some dogs respond positively to pheromone products, such as ThunderEase®, which is available as a diffuser and a spray that can be applied directly to your dog’s relaxation mat.
Finally, consider some options for masking the sound itself. White noise and music can be played in the background. Many dogs tolerate wearable hearing protection apparatuses, such as Mutt Muffs. Sometimes, something as simple as a cotton ball in your dog’s ear can be helpful, although it is important that you monitor your dog so they do not ingest the material if it slips out of the ear.