Helping dogs cope with firework and thunderstorm phobias

Pets suffering from this condition are classified as phobic. Most react to all loud sounds, however, sounds that have most impact on behavior are those associated with thunder storms and firework displays.

Many noise-phobic dogs also suffer from additional fear-related issues such as fear of strangers, new experiences, and inanimate objects. Veterinary behaviorists, such as Dr. Nicholas H. Dodman, founder and director of the Animal Behavior Clinic at Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, often diagnose such dogs with Global Fear. These dogs, he explains, are caught up in a perpetual Bermuda triangle of fear.

Those suffering from global fear issues are often treated by some veterinary behaviorists with selective seratonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Prozac, Zolof, Paxil. Others who have no fears other than those associated with thunderstorms and fireworks are often treated with a short-acting sedative to help them cope during the often anticipated and brief event.

There are many wonderful non-medical alternatives for helping a dog cope with firework and thunderstorm phobias. Some include:

Sit Out the Firework Display: An owner can decline invitations to firework displays in lieu of keeping their dog company.

Increase Energy Output: Exercise the dog and physically tucker him or her out an hour or so prior to a sound event. A tired dog has less energy to to devote to stress.

Relocate the Dog: Provide an alternative location for the dog, such as a friend or family member's home where no firework displays are planned.

Create a Safe Room: Provide the dog with a carpeted room free of windows, or windows that are closed. Play music or leave the television on as a distraction. One can hang bedsheets or blankets on the walls for extra noise insulation.

Block Out Scary Visuals: Draw down shades or blinds to block out frightening flashes of light, which often serve as predictors to the dog  that scary sounds will soon follow.

Fit the Dog with a Thundershirt: A Thundershirt replicates the sensation of swaddling, which is a technique often used for calming newborn infants in nurseries. Many have found swaddling calms dogs equally as well.

Alternative Veterinary Medicine - News


Helping dogs cope with firework and thunderstorm phobias
Helping dogs cope with firework and thunderstorm phobias

Veterinary behaviorists, such as Dr. Nicholas H. Dodman, founder and director of the Animal Behavior Clinic at Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, often diagnose such dogs with Global Fear. These dogs, he explains, are caught up in



AVMA releases draft revisions to model practice act

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Only a few animal shelters in Louisiana use gas chambers

She called it an even more humane alternative to euthanization. "We believe the lack of spaying and neutering of animals and their explosive reproduction is contributing to the high number of animals coming into our shelter," she said.




Pet Health » “Alternative?necklaces for our cats and dogs

Many of the same techniques used in alternative medicines that help humans can also be applied to pets. Some of the biggest draws of alternative veterinary medicine include it being less expensive, less harmful, gentle, and minimally invasive. Just as reducing stress in your own life can improve your health , so it can help your pets well being and happiness. Alternative Veterinary Medicine is the practice that analyzes and takes into consideration a wide range of topics that have a direct impact on the well being of your pet. It includes the areas of Holistic, Integrative and Complementary practices that use a combination of conventional and alternative methods to find the best answers for solving your pet’s problem or distress.

Many doctors that understand alternative canine and feline medical practice will give a comprehensive evaluation that encompasses your pet’s behaviors, diet, environment, emotional stresses, and a variety of other factors. Veterinarians that recognize these practices will provide many additional services that go beyond a standard physical examination.

You can now revitalize your pet’s senses with hand made collections of healing gemstone necklaces! What about that? Yes, now is possible to offer “alternative? necklaces to your “kid? On a simple search on the Internet you will find pet boutiques that sell unique pet jewelry and accessories online. Be sure to check out the matching bracelet collections, too ?they are truly small treasures. The gemstones are not only beautiful but also have the wonderful ability to rejuvenate your four legged friend through alternative healing methods.

Aromatherapy is also an effective complementary therapy in psychological treatment, beneficial in alleviating many conditions such as anxiety , stress, and depression. There is an undeniable connection between smell and memory. The term Aromatherapy refers to the therapeutic use of aromatic oils, or “essential oils”. Essential oils are the concentrated aromatic essences extracted from plant sources such as woods, flowers, fruits, stems, leaves, and resins.

Did you know that breathing in pleasant scents eases psychological problems by activating positive emotional responses from the part of the brain that controls memory and emotion?

Browse for specialized pet web sites and you will be able to purchase adorable fragrant charms, in variety of textile designs and several colorful styles. And be sure you get them made of 100% cotton! They look good and smell great! Or… you might prefer an exclusive collection of aromatic bandanas. This special accessory provides a unique healing essence while keeping your pet in style. They also come in a variety of colorful designs and should be made of high quality 100% cotton. The bandanas are stuffed with aromatic filling containing essential oil. Choose your favorite bandana style that fits your dog or cats aromatherapy needs.


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Alternative Veterinary Medicine - Bookshelf

Complementary and alternative veterinary medicine considered

Complementary and alternative veterinary medicine considered

This text evaluates various prevalent therapies, and will give veterinarians the ethical and scientific bases they need to make sound decisions regarding CAVM ...

Complementary and alternative veterinary medicine, principles and practice

Complementary and alternative veterinary medicine, principles and practice


The veterinarians' guide to natural remedies for cats, safe and effective alternative treatments and healing techniques from the nation's top holistic veterinarians

The veterinarians' guide to natural remedies for cats, safe and effective alternative treatments and healing techniques from the nation's top holistic veterinarians

1 It- Why Alternative Veterinary Medicine? When you hear a veterinarian say, “We can't cure it,'* or, “All ive can do is to try to control it, ...

Small animal clinical oncology

Small animal clinical oncology

4 Complementary and alternative veterinary medicine, then, constitutes its veterinary counterpart. In one study, the most popular CAM modalities sought by ...

The veterinarians' guide to natural remedies for dogs, safe and effective alternative treatments and healing techniques from the nation's top holistic veterinarians

The veterinarians' guide to natural remedies for dogs, safe and effective alternative treatments and healing techniques from the nation's top holistic veterinarians

Why Alternative Veterinary Medicine? Alternative medicine for pets may not be as widespread or well publicized as the human variety, but it's growing faster ...

Detailed Information Directory


Alternative Veterinary Medicine Home Page
In keeping with that philosophy, Dr. Cindy West's Alternative Veterinary Medicine Clinic will be open soon (that's her new clinic in the picture at the top of the page) ...

Alternative Veterinary Medicine
Alternative Veterinary Medicine is the science of treating illness in animals with a holistic approach that includes consideration of the whole animal. ...

Complementary, Alternative, and Holistic Veterinary Medicine ...
Information on acupuncture, chiropractic, herbal medicine, homeopathy, nutritional therapy and other alternative modalities, from veterinarians Susan Wynn and Jan Bergeron.

Alternative Veterinary Medicine - Home
Christopher Day has more than 37 years of experience in alternative veterinary medicine and treated himself with homeopathy, as a child, before that. ...

About Us - Alternative Veterinary Medicine
Information about Dr. Cindy West, DVM and CVA, and her alternative veterinary practice in the Tallahassee area of Florida.