June 24, 2008

Noise Phobias -- Are Your Pets Afraid?

As thunder booms and fireworks explode, MSNBC brings up a subject on many pet owners' minds these days. From The sound of fear: Noise phobias torment dogs:

Up to 20 percent of dogs of all ages and breeds suffer from noise phobias so severe that their people seek professional help for them, writes veterinary behaviorist Bonnie Beaver in her book Canine Behavior: A Guide for Veterinarians. (Cats can also develop fears of certain noises, but they usually just run and hide rather than engaging in destructive behavior.) Thunder and fireworks are the most common causes of noise phobias, but dogs can develop a fear of any sound: the rustling of a garbage bag, the beep of a microwave oven or the whir of a ceiling fan.

The article recommends "Dog Appeasing Pheromone products, designed to emit comforting and familiar scents to canines, and the Storm Defender Cape, a close-fitting wrap with a metallic lining that reduces a dog's sensitivity to the static charge buildup that occurs before a thunderstorm."

Super Cool Pets recommends Melatonin, Music & Rescue Remedy, having had some measure of success with those.

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