As another perfect spring comes to an end, Southern Californians prepare for their least favorite season fireworks season.

Fireworks season begins near the beginning of June and tapers off in early August. Random explosions, crackles and whistles are the hallmark of fireworks season. And as annoying as it is for us, the random fireworks can be absolutely terrifying to our pets with noise phobias.

It is thought that about 20% to 25% of dogs in the United States have noise phobia. Like other phobias, there is an exaggerated response to the stimuli that may worsen over time with repeated negative experience. There may be a predisposition in female dogs compared to males. Certain breeds, such as herding dogs, may also have a tendency to overreact to loud noises.

Dogs that have noise phobias often exhibit shaking and excessive panting. Some dogs may drool excessively too. They often try to hide under furniture or go into closets or the bathroom to escape the perceived threat of the random loud noise of fireworks. Some dogs will try to climb onto their owners for comfort. Others panic and try to escape by jumping off balconies or even crashing through glass windows or doors, resulting in injury or death.

Some of my clients have pets that are so negatively affected by the noise that they will relocate their pets out of the area for a week or two around the Fourth of July holiday.

There are three things that you can do that may help your pet get through fireworks season:

1. Behavioral and environmental therapy: This involves desensitizing your pet prior to the actual event by exposing them to very low levels of the noise that causes panic in a controlled setting while providing positive rewards. There are CD recordings of thunderstorms and fireworks that you can play at very low levels while rewarding your pet with treats and petting. As your pet becomes comfortable with the recorded noises, you can try gradually increasing the volume.

During the actual event of a fireworks show, you can modify the environment by closing the blinds to block the flashes of light, turn on some distracting sounds like easy listening music (by the way, reggae music was found to be the most relaxing music for dogs in a recent study who knew?). Covering your pet with a blanket may help block some of the noise. And last, but certainly not least, is to not leave you pet alone during major events. Nearly all noise phobic dogs become more afraid and panic when left without their humans around.

2. Natural remedies: These include herbal, aromatic and compression therapy. Certain herbal supplements, such as Rescue Remedy, can work in some pets. Essential peppermint oil properly diluted in safflower or coconut oil applied to the footpads has been used successfully in some dogs. (Never apply undiluted essential oil on your pet!) It is thought to work by distracting the dog and may also have some direct calming affect from the scent. Adaptil pheromone collars are effective in many dogs and are long lasting and safe.

Compression therapy is placing a very snug wrap around your dog, much like swaddling a baby with a blanket. Thundershirt is one brand that is widely available and many of my clients find these easy to use and effective.

3. Drugs: Even after desensitizing, natural remedies and environmental modification, there are still many dogs that are going to freak out with fireworks. These pets need prescription medicine. There are a few different categories of drugs that are used for noise phobias. Sedatives: For years pets were prescribed sedatives like Acepromazine for noise phobias. While usually safe for most pets, recent studies show that this class of drugs do not decrease anxiety, and may actually make pets more sensitive to loud noises. However, the only FDA approved drug for noise phobias in dogs at this time is a sedative that is given in very small doses, referred to as microdosing. Dexmedetomidine oromucosal gel, brand name Sileo, is a highly selective alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist that blocks norepinephrine release, thereby calming the pet. We have used this medicine for about a year at our hospital and have had success in most but not all noise phobic dogs.

Anxiolytics: These are medicines that reduce anxiety. Xanax, Prozac and Trazodone are examples of this class of drugs. These drugs may have a longer action and may be more appropriate for longer term use than other medicines in some patients.

While safe in healthy pets, always consult your veterinarian before you try any of these treatments for your individual pet.

Dr. Greg Perrault owns and operates Cats & Dogs Animal Hospital in Long Beach.

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DOGS AND CATS: Fireworks Noise Traumatizes Pets - Gazette Newspapers