Firework Phobia - Things that go bump in the night

What are pheromones?

Pheromones are odourless and are detected by mammals within their own species by means of the vomero-nasal organ. The receptors there are neurologically linked to the limbic system in the brain, creating a fast track to affect the animal's emotional behaviour in times of anxiety. The power of pheromones has attracted much scientific interest in recent years. Five individually responsive "fractions" have already been identified in the facial secretions of cats. Research has already shown that this complex can be central to providing simple, effective treatment for thousands of dogs with stress related conditions and behavioural problems. We now also know that it offers hope for treating one of the most common of phobias: the fear of fireworks.

An annual problem

As November approaches, veterinary practices are inundated with clients requiring advice, and maybe treatment, for their firework-sensitive dogs. The animal's distressed behaviour is very disturbing for the owner too. Repeatedly, owners report their dog's intense reaction to the noise of fireworks. Symptoms can include panting, pacing, salivating and wild-eyed attempts to simply run away in fear. A lesser reaction might include trembling, hiding, and constant pacing and the need to shadow the owner everywhere.

We have known for some time that with good advice from a behavioural therapist, a dedicated owner can take his or her dog through a systematic desensitisation programme which can, in many cases, provide a cure for noise phobia. However, the success of the therapy depends on the owner's ability to stick with the programme possibly over a period of some months - and that cannot always be relied upon. Success also depends on the quality of the replication of the sound and that is not always very good either.

Traditional medication includes diazepam, barbiturates, beta-blockers and phenothiazines, which are often prescribed to administer as and when the fear stimulus is expected. However, not all firework events can be predicted and very often owners are quite rightly unhappy about the idea that it is merely doping the animal rather than affecting its fear.

Scientific breakthrough

French scientist Dr Patrick Pageat was the first to identify the "dog appeasing pheromone", which is found in all lactating mammals between three and five days after giving birth. It is a mixture of- fatty acids produced by sebaceous glands in the inter-mammary sulcus of bitches shortly after parturition. Using this information, the French team went on to produce a synthetic version of the canine pheromone and this was launched in the UK earlier this year by CEVA Animal Health as the Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) Diffuser.

The University of Lincoln animal behaviour, cognition and welfare group has been working with the DAP for the past two years to assess its value in the treatment of stressed and troubled canines. Certainly, the research at Lincoln, and also that undertaken by Dr Pageat, has already shown that the appeasing pheromone can be very effective in many areas of canine behavioural therapy.

Clinical trials

In trials coordinated by Dr Pageat, 11 investigators working in four different countries used 26 dogs that experienced problem behaviour when left alone. Twenty displayed destructive behaviour, 18 excessive vocalisation and 12 house soiled. In each case the pheromone was emitted by way of the DAP diffuser which was placed in the room most used by the dog during the day one diffuser for every 50 to 70 square metres. By the end of the first week the destructive behaviour was down 27 per cent, by the 28th day of the trial these dogs were showing an 85 per cent level of improvement or cure. Vocalisation incidents decreased by almost a quarter in the first week and after 28 days there was an overall decrease of 72 per cent. House soiling incidents were reduced dramatically by half by the second week of the trial, and after 28 days this had further reduced to 66 per cent. Overall, at the end of the 28-day trial, 85 per cent were confirmed as cured or improved.

Pheromones and firework phobia

In the case of firework phobia, soon-to-be published work reveals that 30 dogs that had previously shown sings of fear in response to the sight and sound of fireworks, all experienced a reduction in the severity of the problem, following the continuous use of DAP in the home, in combination with traditional therapies.

A significant improvement was found in owner ratings: owners reported that their dog's behaviour improve in 9 out of 14 measures of fear used at the outset. DAP was used at least two weeks in advance of the main firework events and this may well be critical to creating an effective chemical barrier against the anxiety caused by the onset of fireworks.

Our interpretation of why this pheromone therapy works in dogs is based on the release of a chemical signal by the part of the brain that deals with recognition - or more accurately making things appear "familiar". It is the effect of unfamiliar, uncertain and "novelty" signals that triggers the signs of anxiety and stress. If that uncertainty can he removed, then the stress will cease to exist.By introducing a familiar signal - such as the appeasing pheromone, the dog feels less anxious, even in the presence of a stimulus as potentially frightening. as fireworks.

Broader application

This pheromone is proving very effective in alleviating stress-related signs in pups and adult dogs in a whole range of behavioural conditions. It appears to reassure dogs that are anxious in kennel accommodation, or whose homes are invaded by a "strange" dog or person.

It is also very rewarding to see it work in cases of compulsive-type disorders, such as excessive licking. It may also be of benefit in helping to reduce anxiety in the consulting room and the problems associated with trying to perform a full clinical examination of an anxious patient.

One of the most attractive aspects of the pheromone diffuser is that it is simple to use. It can be used without concern for the firework season but owners need to be aware that it is part of a therapy programme and not a stand-alone cure. It can bring the dog's anxiety down to a workable level, but it does not cancel out the need for practical effort from the owner at home, especially if used as part of a long-term therapy programme.

The appeasing pheromone is not a panacea: it complements the dogs natural tranquillising mechanisms. In this way it can be very effective therapy to correct stress-related behavioural problems, and is providing the answer to the treatment of various phobias, most significantly the of fireworks.

Credits

This article was reproduced by kind permission of the author Daniel Mills. MRCVS Principal Lecturer in Behavioural Studies and Animal Welfare at the University of Lincoln. It is an amended version of an article that appeared in the Veterinary Times Magazine on 14th October 2002.