Since today is a time for fireworks, I thought it would be a good idea to republish this article. I also would like to add a few tips of my own. I let Gracie hide if she wants to hide. I make sure she is in a safe spot where she cannot exit through a screen door or window.
If she wants to cuddle, I let her. However, I focus on reassuring her, not coddling her. For example, I do not make a big fuss - "Oh, my poor baby, are you okay??? What can I do?? Oh, Gracie, my poor, poor baby!!" Exclamations like that would only make the problem worse. Instead, I relax and try not to feed her anxiety.
Good luck with your anxious pet. And, remember - tomorrow is July 5th - it will be over soon!
Gracie is big bundle of anxiety wrapped in a Jack Russell suit. As I have mentioned in the past, she hates car rides, motorcycles, gun shots, and pretty much any loud noise. While flipping through the latest Drs. Foster and Smith pet supply catalog, I spotted an article about dealing with pet phobias. I found the link on their Pet Education site:
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2085&aid=2545
The article was very interesting. It mentions the usual tactics of desensitization as a means of alleviating the fear. It offers other tips too and includes a discussion about medical treatment available.
The article also offers links to three websites who sell CDs to aid in desensitization. I took a peek at the sites. One company lets you listen to part of the CD. Gracie’s ears perked up when I played it, which was interesting. You can even download the “songs” from that particular company’s site right away. With the other sites, you must order a CD and wait.
If your pet has phobias, the above article is worth a look. You never know. They may have a suggestion you have not tried. Please feel free to share any tips you have found to be useful. We could all use some help!
Rescue Mommy
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