|
 Dogs
may respond in a fearful manner when presented with unfamiliar
situations, smells, sounds and sights. They have developed this
normal and important response to protect them from harm.
Unfortunately, some animals will respond excessively when they are
faced with certain situations, smells, sounds and sights. These
phobic reactions are maladaptive and will not protect the animal
from potential danger. Ironically, some animals even injure
themselves when they try to escape a situation that induces a phobic
response. Phobic dogs might hide, tremble, salivate, try to escape,
show destructive behaviour, bark excessively, or show aggression if
someone tries to calm them.
Most
dogs that are affected by noise phobias respond to thunderstorms, or
fireworks. The reaction might be induced by the sound itself or by
other factors that precede the sound. This occurs because the dog
has generalized the entire experience. Some dogs will respond
fearfully long before a thunderstorm arrives because they have
learned that a drop in barometric pressure heralds the arrival of a
storm.
Possible Causes
It is not uncommon that phobic dogs have offspring with a higher
incidence of fear-related behaviour problems. Genetic factors as well
as the mother's stress hormones influence a dog's behaviour even
before birth. Dogs that do not receive early socialization and
habituation are more likely to develop a noise phobia, especially if
a traumatic event occurs.
The
owner's response to the dog (trying to calm, reassure or punish) can
make the behaviour problem worse.
Affected
dogs are commonly found to suffer from other fear related problems
such as separation anxiety and fear of strangers or other animals.
Certain breeds seem to be predisposed to having noise phobias,
including herding dog breeds.
Over
time, phobias tend to get worse. The dog will not 'grow out of it'.
Typically, dogs generalize and learn to associate certain persons,
places or items with the stimulus that triggered the problem
initially.
Treatment Options
-
Avoid
any reinforcement of the undesired behaviour: reassuring the dog,
reprimanding the dog, etc.
-
Contain the dog safely to prevent that he or she runs away in a
panic.
-
Contact your veterinarian to discuss drug treatment that will
allow your dog to get safely and calmly through the season. Most
dogs can be treated with medication that reduces anxiety and
causes mild sedation shortly after application of the medication.
Ideally this should be given 30-60 minutes before a storm or
exposure. Other dogs might require additional drug treatment that
is given daily throughout the season.
-
Make
certain that your veterinarian is aware of any supplements or
additional treatment your dog is receiving as they may interfere
with drug treatment (e.g. antidepressants) and cause serious harm.
Treatment with natural remedies, homeopathy, food supplements
(such as melatonin, tryptophan or rescue remedy) and acupuncture
may support your veterinarian's treatment plan but will most
likely fail to show the desired effect if used alone.
-
Ask
your veterinarian for a behaviour modification program that will
help to decrease the dog's response and reduce his or her
reactions during the following season. If necessary, your
veterinarian will refer you to a veterinary behaviourist for a
behavioural assessment and additional treatment options.
The
treatment protocol for phobias involves techniques like systematic
desensitization and counter conditioning. To do this, behaviourists
use recordings of storms or fireworks that have been specifically
designed for this type of training. The treatment protocol will
allow your dog to remain calm during a storm. At the end of a
successful training period, which may take several weeks or months,
the dog will have learned that the noise does not represent a
danger. Instead of the phobic response, he or she will associate the
sound with a pleasant experience such as food.
Source: Written by Dr. Petra Mertens
www.petcare.umn.edu |
