Pet care: Fireworks phobia — what works, what to avoid

Is everybody ready for earsplitting blasts?

Mick, the Nichol family’s border collie, will do OK; he knows his folks will be on duty. There are purebred and mixed dogs and plenty of cats of indeterminate parentage who are genetically programmed for noise phobia. And because the brain is a plastic organ, meaning repetition tends to strengthen its circuits, July 4th freak-outs can worsen each year. It’s a problem that often shares canine cabezas with separation anxiety.

Shelter from the aerial bombardment and light flashes will be essential. Dogs may hide, tremble, drool, cry, vomit, urinate, or even pass diarrhea. Some escape their yards. Allow your cat or dog to find relief anywhere they feel better: a bathroom, closet, or a crate that’s covered on top and all four sides (door open), nestled away from windows and exterior walls. Close the blinds and turn off the TV.

You can mask the racket with white noise or a loud fan. “Through a Dog’s Ear” and “Through a Cat’s Ear” is music that promotes calming alpha brain waves. Mutt Muffs, comfy and well tolerated, will dampen the volume. A Zenidog pheromone diffuser can reduce stress.

With their morning meal delayed, a dog or cat can focus on extracting sustenance from a food-dispensing toy or puzzle. Engaging their brain, mouth and paws will divert their attention away from your neighbor’s pyrotechnic proclivities.

Oral antianxiety medications can make a huge difference. Alprazolam, trazodone and clonidine are helpful for dogs; lorazepam or gabapentin work well for cats. A prescription gel called Sileo is given between a dog’s lower lip and gum to diminish the heebie-jeebies starting before or even during the artillery assault. Repeat Sileo every two hours until the cataclysm passes. And it’s safe when given with other medications. Don’t just “wait and see.” Your veterinarian can prescribe any or all of these ahead of the “holiday.”

Finally, avoid acepromazine. Only a sedative, it prevents an agitated pet from escaping its angst. Groggy but no calmer, they’re trapped in a chemical straitjacket. Modern medicine is best.

For help with behavior problems, you can sign up for a Zoom group conference at drjeffnichol.com

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