Recently on Twitter, I found a great article titled Storm Phobias by Karen L. Overall, VMD, PhD, Diplomate ACVB (American College of Veterinary Behaviorists).
While there are many articles about noise phobias and pets (especially concerning fireworks and thunder), the point of this article was that these "behavior problems" are often a medical issue, should be taken seriously, and for some animals, they are an emergency.
The article starts off with a true story of the author's mother's dog and ends on a sad note. The beloved dog died from cardiac and respiratory arrest during a series of storms. Not from running through a window or getting hit by a car, but in her owner's arms.
This type of phobia is not limited to just fireworks and thunder, and the majority of these pets (approximately 70%) suffer from similar problems, such as separation anxiety.
Mild phobias
This started some great discussions on Twitter about fearful dogs and dogs who suffer from phobias. My own dog, Sophie, suffers from mild noise phobia and separation anxiety. I haven't had to medicate yet, but like most of these animals, could see her "ramping up" with each incident. I have had great success using the DAP collar, but need to stress that she is a mild case (sometimes moderate, depending on the situation).
More serious cases of fear and phobias
The topics turned to more serious cases of fear and noise phobias and the need for medications. The "old" medication standby for thunderstorms was a drug commonly referred to as "Ace," short for Acepromazine (Promace ®). This drug is not the best choice for this, because while it sedates, it is not anxiety-reducing (anxiolytic). While it takes away the ability to move (most of the time) doesn't calm the fears, in effect making them much worse over time. Read more about Acepromazine and Chlorpromazine by Terry Kelley CVT, CPDT.
Note: on page 3 of the Storm Phobias article, the author discusses the use of Ace and why it doesn't work for these cases.
The newer anxiolytic drugs, such as Alprazolam (Xanax), are much more effective at stopping the phobic behavior and are preferred over drugs such as Acepromazine.
Getting the word out
Phobias and anxieties manifest in many different ways - fear, destruction, aggressiveness, and so on. Many of the same reasons that pets are surrendered each day to shelters. The original article caught my eye, because these phobias and anxieties are real. They are huge problems for the pet and their people. They are sometimes life-threatening emergencies as in the Storm Phobias article, or more commonly, bolting through a window or tearing out of an enclosure.
A life well-lived
Treating pets (dogs and cats, too) with knowledge/understanding, behavior modification, tools such as DAP, and finally, medications when indicated, make life enjoyable and livable for both the pet and their people. Being educated about the "new" and very successful anxiolytic drugs (not the old standby Ace), helps all.
Noise Phobias
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