Loud Noise Anxiety (Fireworks, Guns, Cars)
in Dogs

• Trembling
• Whimpering
• Panting
• Constantly seeking the owners attention (or protection)
• Attempting to escape from the noise

For many dogs, the age at which such a phobia develops is unknown. Sometimes, it can originate from being exposed to a sudden loud noise that is particularly disturbing. Some pets may have been exposed to stressful or loud noises when young, resulting in a lasting bad memory. For fireworks, it may not be just the noise causing the problem for the anxious behavior. It may be the flash of light that accompanies the loud noise, or the strong sulfur smell that comes after the explosion, or it may be the suddenness or the frequency of the noise (eg an explosion or a screeching rocket).

The most important step in solving a dog's phobia is to manage and decondition the behavior, and avoid doing anything that reinforces the behavior. For instance, if the dog runs away and escapes the noise, that behavior is reinforced. Similarly, the fear response will be reinforced if an owner rewards the behavior with extra attention to the dog through stroking it, or trying to reassure it in any other way. The opposite approach of becoming angry or reproaching the dog will also be counterproductive. One tactic that may be useful is playing a game with the dog to distract it from the fireworks, or having it play with another dog (as long as the other dog does not have the same fear).

In some cases, a veterinarian may dispense various products to help alleviate phobias for loud noises and fireworks. Unfortunately, there are no drugs registered to treat these types of phobias in dogs. Treatments for fear of fireworks fall into two broad categories-drugs and alternative therapies such as dog appeasing pheromone (D.A.P.) and homeopathic treatments.

The drugs most commonly used in reducing fear of fireworks include benzodiazepines, the alpha-adrenergic propanolol (generally administered with phenobarbitone), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). All of these have possible side effects, such as lethargy and sedation, some may cause vomiting and none have really been proven to work in relieving the fear of fireworks.

With SSRIs and TCAs, the medication needs to be started weeks ahead of the stimulus that causes the phobia. In many cases, this is hardly practical. Acepromazine is not recommended because of the sedation it can produce, and it can also sensitize the dog to sound, potentially making the problem worse. In contrast, natural homeopathic remedies do not cause side effects and have received promising reports.

Super Stress Relief is a homeopathic remedy to help reduce the excessive behavior some dogs may experience in stressful or fearful situations such as loud noises or fireworks. In a study of 150 pet owners, a study showed an 80% satisfaction rating after giving their pet Super Stress Relief. And because Super Stress Relief includes only natural ingredients, there are no side effects, unlike those that some prescription medications can cause.

Although Super Stress Relief is one of many anxiety-reducing remedies, it is important to keep in mind that there is not a single step "cure-all." It is recommended that whichever remedy you choose, it should be combined with every possible effort to introduce constructive behavioral modification that can help improve your pet's welfare while also reducing stress on you and your pet.