27/12/2025
"Effectiveness of treatments for firework fears in dogs" by Riemer 2020
1) Owner-reported survey design
This study is based on an online questionnaire completed by 1,225 dog owners and investigating their perception of the effectiveness of different management and treatment strategies for firework fears in dogs,
2) “Feed/play” strategy is linked to improvement
Among the management strategies used during fireworks - environmental modification (e.g., hiding places, closing windows, playing music), interaction with the dog (petting, talking, body contact), and alternative approaches (e.g., Bach flowers, essential oils, homeopathy, nutraceuticals) - only the feed/play strategy (food, chews, or play, including when contingent on loud noises) was associated with an improvement in fear responses over time.
3) Counterconditioning, relaxation training, and anxiolytic medication are perceived as most effective
Counterconditioning was rated as the most effective intervention (>70%), followed by relaxation training (69%) and prescription anxiolytic medication (69% overall), whereas alternative products showed success rates compatible with a placebo effect (27%-35%)
Read the FULL ARTICLE: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S155878782030037X
Generate CONSTRUCTIVE DISCUSSION: Does your experience align with the findings of this study? How do you support animals under your care during what is possibly the most challenging time of the year for them?
And what about cats? Do you think they benefit from the same types of interventions as dogs, or do you approach the problem differently depending on the species?
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