Contents:
- Editor's welcome
- David Marshall Red Arrow engineer
- Feel Good Picnics are highlight of summer
- Hanson Springs celebrates 60 years
- New independent vet practice opens in Milnrow
- Noise phobias in dogs »
- Lemon drizzle cake
- GEM Appeal Strawberry Sparkle Lunch
- Budding photographer’s snap of Ellenroad Engine House Steam Museum wins monthly contest
- Hairdressing trend - bubble bob
- Town hall restoration: new stained glass windows for Mayor’s Dining Room
- Rochdale Classic Car & Bike Show
- A short history of Hare Hill House: The Newall Family
- Success for Hollingworth Lake Rowing Club at the European Championships
- Tour of Britain
- Health and wellbeing during Metal season
- Garlic chilli chicken with parmesan cream, gnocchi and seasonal tenderstem broccoli
- “It’s right on your doorstep and it deserves to be romanticised.”
- How late is too late to start saving for retirement?
- Rochdale scent company inspires employee to write children’s novel
- Rochdale Masonic Hall
- New specialised dementia garden launched at Springhill Hospice
- A typical week for a football lawyer
- Silver for Petrus at Tatton
- New ‘Chatty Café’ to reduce loneliness and social isolation opens in Rochdale town centre
- Local independent fashion retailers shortlisted for Drapers Awards
Autumn 2023Noise phobias in dogs
At this time of year, many pet owners are worrying about how to help their dogs with the upcoming firework season. Noise phobias in pets are very common and there are lots of different ways in which we can help them cope during difficult times.
Dogs can show many different signs when suffering with anxiety; these can include hiding, repeated yawning, ears back and tail tucked in, crouched stance, panting, shaking and pacing.
The signs your dog shows can vary a lot and may only be subtle. Signs of anxiety can get worse over time, therefore it’s important to help your pets as early as possible.
Create a comforting environment
- Close the curtains so they cannot see the fireworks.
- Create an area with beds and blankets where they can hide and feel safe (this could be a dog crate or quiet corner).
- Put on the television or radio so that they cannot hear the fireworks as clearly, but try to put on something without sudden loud noises (e.g. classical music).
Pheromone therapy
- Pheromone treatment for dogs uses dog-appeasing hormones (DAPs), which are released by bitches when feeding their puppies. The smell of the hormones is believed to relax dogs and help with anxiety.
- There are many different brands of pheromone treatments, many in diffuser and spray options, but also collars. They can also be used as an ongoing treatment for other forms of unwanted behaviours.
Nutraceuticals
- Nutraceuticals are products that come from natural food sources and can provide nutritional and medicinal benefits.
- There are many nutraceuticals that can provide relief from anxiety in dogs, your vet will be able to advise you on the best options for your pet.
Noise desensitisation
- It is possible over time to desensitise your dog to the noises that cause them anxiety.
- By introducing the sounds of fireworks gradually over time during positive interactions, the dog begins to think of the noise in a positive way and it does not trigger a negative anxiety response.
- There are many internet resources that can be guide through the desensitisation process.
Anti-anxiety medication
- Not all dogs need medication, and their anxiety can be managed with the steps above. However, if your dog is struggling with noise anxiety or any other form of anxiety-triggered behaviours then your veterinary surgeon can advise you on the most suitable forms of treatment.
About the writer
Gemma Broome recently opened a new vet practice in Milnrow with her fellow vet, Clare Farnsworth. Between them, they have over 25 years of veterinary experience.