RSPCA: Prepare your pets for bonfire night

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Friday, 05, Sep 2008 12:00

RSPCA supports the use of sound therapy to reduce firework phobias in dogs.

The RSPCA is appealing to dog owners to start preparing their canine companions for Bonfire Night by using sound therapy to minimise the misery suffered by terrified animals.

The number of firework related calls received by the RSPCA’s national control centre rose to 940 in 2007 – more than double the 456 received in 1999 – with more than half of the calls received in November.

It has also been estimated that up to 45% of dogs in the UK show fearful behaviour when they hear fireworks1. This could mean that anything up to three million dogs could be affected2.

In a bid to reduce this number, the RSPCA has endorsed the Sounds Scary CD therapy pack, produced by Sound Therapy 4 Pets. This can be used to help dogs learn to be less afraid of loud fizzes and bangs in the build up to the traditional Bonfire Night celebrations. The two-CD pack features a wide variety of firework sounds, as well as thunder and gunshots.

Mark Evans, the RSPCA’s Chief Vet, said: “Fireworks and other loud noises are a source of great anxiety for many dogs. This year, the RSPCA’s fireworks campaign is encouraging people to help treat and prevent their dogs’ fireworks fears using the Sounds Scary CD – a scientifically proven therapy tool.

“We want owners to help their dogs become less afraid of fireworks noises well in advance of the fireworks season, rather than attempting and often failing to provide short term fixes that have no long-term benefit.

“Treating dogs that are afraid of loud noises takes time and commitment from owners, but can transform the welfare of the animal. The more time spent now will be rewarded by the time Bonfire Night comes around.”

The CD works by gradually allowing dogs to be less afraid of loud noises. It should initially be played at a very low level, so that the dog shows no reaction to the noises. The volume can then be gradually increased in the months leading up to 5 November, until the dog doesn’t react to the noises, even when the CD is played at moderate to full volume. The last stage is to teach the dog to associate the sound of the CD with something he or she finds pleasant and rewarding, such as food or play.

Sounds Scary has been designed by internationally renowned vets Jon Bowen and Sarah Heath, who have a combined 30 years of experience. They now exclusively treat animals with behavioural problems.

Jon said: “Sound Therapy 4 Pets has led the way in designing proven therapy products for dogs with noise phobias and we are proud to be involved in the RSPCA campaign this year.

“Dogs that are afraid of loud noises have a miserable time every firework season and they tend to get worse year on year. Unfortunately their owners may not be aware that this problem is, in fact, treatable.

“Sounds Scary has been independently and scientifically tested and proven to be highly effective and easy to use.”

Every dog is different and the amount of training needed will vary from dog to dog. However, the RSPCA recommends that owners start training with the Sounds Scary CD well in advance of 5 November. It can take several weeks to see the improvements in a dog’s fearful behaviour, so owners should not see this as a quick-fix solution.

The pack comes complete with a comprehensive manual that answers typical questions many pet owners have about phobias, as well as an easy start poster helping you to help your dog.

10% of the money from each CD sold will go to the RSPCA, so that we can continue to help more animals. For more information, or details on how to purchase an RSPCA discounted copy of the Sounds Scary CD, please visit www.rspca.org.uk/fireworks.

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Notes to editors:

1. Based on research commissioned by the RSPCA and conducted by the University of Bristol in 2005. Available on the RSPCA website at http://www.rspca.org.uk/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RSPCA/RSPCARedirect&pg=CADReportsandresources

2. PFMA statistics estimate that there are currently about 7.3 million dogs in the UK. Available at http://www.pfma.org.uk/overall/pet-pop-08-4.htm

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