CD music to the ears of scaredy-cat dogs

Petrified pets like toy poodle Rex will be cowering in the corner this Guy Fawkes as fireworks light up the sky with a crash and bang.

But a little therapy could help make the experience a little less stressful for them.

Vets and pet behaviour specialists Sarah Heath and Jon Bowen have developed a range of sound therapy CDs that familiarise dogs to unusual noises.

Sounds Scary is a programme aimed at dogs with a fear of sudden loud noises like rain, hail, thunder, fireworks and gunshots. It comes with a manual to help owners understand their dog's phobia.

Rex's owner Christine Ryan says the two-year-old always gets himself worked up during Guy Fawkes celebrations.

Her five-year-old miniature schnauzer Rosie is a little more laid-back.

"I turn the TV on, close the curtains and give them a bone to chew to distract them," Miss Ryan says.

Each year, without fail, there are calls for fireworks to be banned after incidents involving animals.

Last year a horse was severely wounded and had to be put down after it was spooked by fireworks near the Te Atatu Pony Club. A dog also chewed its lead to pieces in a terrified state, escaped and was hit and killed by a car in Papatoetoe.

The SPCA says the numbers of animals reported missing goes up threefold in the days surrounding Guy Fawkes.

Veterinarian Dr Craig Hunger from the Pet Doctors Group says some dogs have extreme reactions to loud noises.

A few bark or howl while others salivate.

Short-term options are available to pet owners but he says the best long-term treatment is to desensitise the animal to the noise.

Dr Hunger says the CD should be played quietly with the noise increased gradually over time so the dog gets used to it.

He says it is best to get dogs used to loud noises while they are puppies.

Go online to www.petpost.co.nz for more information

- © Fairfax NZ News