Adulthood
Once your dog reaches adulthood there are still unpredictable and novel situations that can make them become anxious or nervous.
Boarding kennels
The kennel environment can be stressful for many dogs and most require some support while they settle in. Some may show stress-related behaviour such as excessive locomotion (pacing around) or barking. Others may go off their food or develop diarrhoea.
Using DAP® when you dog goes to a boarding kennel
Owners or kennel staff worried about how a dog will cope in kennels may wish to consider fitting a DAP® Collar. Doing so before the dog enters the kennel has been shown to reduce barking and help dogs adjust more quickly to kennel life. However, DAP® does not sedate the dog and will allow normal reactions to activity around them.
Once the dog is settled in the environment (a process that usually takes about 1 month) the support can be removed. However, after adapting to kennel life the dog may require an additional DAP® Collar to help it settle in the new home.
Car travel
There are two aspects to travel problems with dogs; motion sickness and travel fear. However, the symptoms of each are very similar and many dogs are believed to suffer from both.
In most cases it is sensible to reduce the stress associated with travelling using DAP® Spray or DAP® Collar. However, in some instances it may also be necessary to treat the motion sickness with medication.
Using DAP .® to help dogs cope with car travel
• Apply DAP® Spray to a dog basket, bedding or cage approximately 15 minutes before traveling. The spray can be re-applied on toilet and exercise breaks, i.e. every 2 to 3 hours as necessary.
• Ideally, the dog should have eaten nothing for at least 6 hours prior to travel to avoid nausea and vomiting.
On long journeys a DAP® Collar may be a more convenient formulation and should be fitted 24 hours before the journey.
N.B. DAP® has also been reported to aid dogs traveling by air. In such cases it is important to check with the airline if the dog will be allowed to wear a DAP® Collar during the flight.
Firework Fears
Recent research revealed that 80% of pets are afraid of fireworks with 50% of dogs shaking during exposure to fireworks. In most cases dogs showing noise fears can usually be helped by providing DAP® support and following a few simple steps.
A Guide to the Management of firework fears
• Prepare a den for the dog at least 2 weeks before the expected event. Research shows that animals tend not to run towards safety rather than away from danger. By giving the dog meals, treats, chews and toys in the den over the period running up to firework night, the den will become a safe, relaxing place that the dog chooses to go to when feeling afraid. This sense of security can be further enhanced by moving the dog’s bed inside the den and installing a DAP® diffuser nearby. Then den must be available to the dog at all times, especially when it is alone.
• The longer the dog is exposed to the pheromone prior to the fireworks or thunderstorms, the better prepared he will be to cope with the challenge.
• Owners should ensure that pets are safely inside and that doors, windows and dog flaps are secured.
• It is advisable to microchip pets, as if they do escape, confused or distracted animals can easily get lost.
• Dogs should be taken for walks when exposure to fireworks is less likely, such as before nightfall.
• Owners should close windows, draw curtains, play music and/or have the TV on to help mask the noise.
• Fearful behaviours should be ignored. Trying to sooth a fearful dog not only rewards the behaviour, but also gives the impression that the person is also worried about the fireworks. Seeing the owner act in this way further undermines the dog’s confidence. Never punish of get cross with a fearful dog, because this will simply make the dog more afraid.
For more information on how to prepare your dog for fireworks season visit www.petfireworkfear.co.uk .
However, dogs developing or in the grip of a severe phobia will require a training programme of desensitisation and counter conditioning alongside DAP®. For more information visit www.soundsscary.com .
