Remedy For Fear Of Fireworks

When the Christmas and New Year’s holidays approach, we take the opportunity to see the sky full of colors. Some fireworks shows are really beautiful. 

However, some members of the family do not enjoy it as much: it is the pets of the house, especially the dogs, that tend to be very sick. In addition, a large percentage of them are distressed, a situation of really unpleasant distress.

Many dogs feel so panicked that they experience rapid heartbeat, unusual nervousness, and can’t be quiet. At these times, they may salivate more than usual, start barking, moaning and complaining, as a way of expressing the stress they are subjected to. They even dig in the ground or try to flee the place, although they don’t know what they’re running from.

Thus, the noise of the explosion of fireworks generates this state of stress and anxiety in dogs. Usually, the noise doesn’t come all at once, but it’s a continuous bang. Even so, it’s worth mentioning that, although it’s also a continuous sound, many dogs love music.

An invention that will alleviate the discomfort dogs feel at the end of the year parties

O fear of fireworks diminishes the dog’s quality of life. The consequences can have repercussions on both your physical and mental health. Because of this, a group of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, in the United States, created a medicine to combat the stress caused by fireworks.

It is a gel administered orally, prepared on the basis of dexmedetomidine . Its effect is sedative and analgesic, and it was formulated to be administered by the owners following the previous instructions of the veterinarian.

• The original study was published in the scientific journal  Veterinary Record .

Tests of the drug against the fear of fireworks have demonstrated its effectiveness. The study was conducted in December 2012, with a sample of 182 dogs, whose histories recorded symptoms of fear of the sound of fireworks.

The result brought to light by the tests revealed that 72% of the dogs that took the medicine responded in a favorable way. The reactions typical of frightened dogs were minimized: tremors, wheezing, nervousness, howling, urinary incontinence, etc.

Side effects

One of the main concerns of owners when administering a new medicine like this is the side effects it may have.

Fortunately, dexmedetomidine gel did not cause clinically important sedative effects in dogs.  This is key, as no one wants their pet to be disoriented or unable to coordinate their movements.

Advice for Dealing with Fear of Fireworks

For now, dexmedetomidine gel is available for purchase in the UK only. Until its use spreads to the rest of the world, there are some recommendations that can be taken into consideration. They can help both owners and pets to overcome their fear of fireworks, they are as follows:

Therapeutic tours. Walking helps to control stress and keep the dog calmer. It is recommended to take it for a walk on a leash attached to the collar with identification, because if the animal runs away when it hears the sound of fireworks, it will be easier to control it.

Keep calm. Sometimes, the owners, unintentionally, leave the animal altered, giving it unusual pampering.  They console him or anticipate the moment of the fireworks as if a catastrophe is about to happen.

Stay close. The dog must not be alone or isolated during the fireworks display. Preferably, he should be in the place in the house farthest from the noise of the fireworks.

Reduce noise. Although we cannot control the external circumstances, it is possible to close our doors and windows at the time of fireworks.

Song. Relaxing music is capable of lower tension levels in some dogs. It’s a matter of trying, but not at the time of fireworks, but before. On the Internet it is possible to find links with specific music for dogs.

Toys. Another anti-stress method is chewing toys. Just as people relax by squeezing other objects for this purpose, dogs relax by biting objects.

See the vet. Sometimes dogs have such an uncontrollable fear of fireworks that they can get hurt. The specialist can prescribe medication or special measures to keep the dog safe.