When it comes to our dogs, their emotional well-being is just as important as their physical health. That’s why there’s a whole industry dedicated to tackling doggy fears and phobias, from thunderstorms to fireworks and other noisy booms. Think anxiety wraps, calming chews, pheromones, and special meds designed just for noise and anxiety jitters. There are even tailor-made training programs to make vet visits as stress-free as a belly rub. Enter the Fear Free® program by Dr. Mary Becker, giving vets and pet parents the tools to create chill vibes for their furry pals.
The Fear Free program offers veterinarians and their staff training on various Fear Free principles. Instead of walking into a stressful waiting room full of animals, pet parents may be asked to wait in the car until they receive a text from the veterinary staff that an exam room is open. Some anxious dogs may be routed to a side or back door to avoid stressful encounters with other animals. The staff might spray their clothes with pheromones or offer high-value treats (freeze-dried food, chicken, beef, turkey, or small amounts of peanut butter or cheese) to create positive associations with the vet visit. The staff may spray canned cheese whiz or whipped cream to make a smiley face on the wall or floor for the pet to lick up. Or the vet team might give as many as 60 treats in one 15-minute exam. It’s all about making vet trips a tail-wagging good time where dogs feel right at ease.
Fear Free also educates pet parents who want to create Fear-free homes and car rides to the vet’s office. Ever notice how some dogs get the jitters when they hop in the car because they know they are going to the vet’s office? Or how they react when they recognize the route to the vet’s office along the way? Pure panic can set in. Through the Fear Free program, pet parents can prepare their dog for a vet visit by spraying pheromones on a fleece blanket or bed that their pet can sit on in the car or on a bandana they can wear during the trip. Pheromones can influence a dog’s behavior, including their level of fear or stress. Undetectable to us, they help dial down your dog’s anxiety.
For more severe anxiety, pet parents should provide their dogs with over-the-counter calming chews or talk to their veterinarians about anxiety-reducing medications to take before each vet visit. Here are a few more tips and strategies for handling different canine stressors.
- Address noises and phobias: To help dogs cope with loud noises, use specialized products like anxiety wraps, calming supplements, and pheromones. Spraying pheromones on a pet bed, using plug-in pheromones in a room, or putting a pheromone collar on your canine can help reduce their anxiety. Sileo, the
Fear Free® Program trains vet clinics on ways to make client visits less stressful.
first FDA-approved treatment specifically for noise-sensitive dogs, is now available. It works by blocking norepinephrine, a brain chemical involved in the fight-or-flight response, calming anxiety without sedation. The gel product is administered between the gum and cheek, is absorbed quickly, and provides relief within 30 to 60 minutes. Many pet parents say it’s a game-changer for thunderstorms and fireworks. - Use desensitization training: Gradual exposure to noise triggers paired with positive reinforcement can help reduce fear responses over time. This may involve sitting 50 feet away from people at a dog park and moving closer as the dog gets used to seeing and hearing people, or streaming a thunderstorm and gradually increasing the volume as your dog gets used to the sounds.
- Socialize your dogs: Dogs, especially puppies, must be continually exposed to new people and environments to build confidence and reduce fears. Use praise and treats to reinforce desirable behaviors.
- Create Fear Free® homes: Provide safe spaces, like quiet retreats, kennels, or hiding spots, where dogs can feel secure during stressful events. Let children know if a dog walks away from them, the dog is saying, “I need to be left alone right now.” Teach them to respect their dog’s wishes.
- Establish a routine and predictability: Consistent routines and environments can help reduce anxiety. Dogs thrive on routine, and if they expect things to happen a certain way—and they do—they will remain calmer and more confident about their surroundings. If you use pheromones when taking your dog to the vet, do the same thing when visiting a dog park. Otherwise, the bandana becomes associated with the vet’s office and displaces the car as the the new trigger.
- But mix it up, too! If your dog only associates car rides with trips to the vet, it can start stressing as soon as it hops in the car. Take them for joy rides, too. Head to the beach, a dog park, or just cruise to a nearby park for playtime or a stroll.
Whether you’re a pet parent, veterinarian, or animal lover, embracing Fear Free principles can enhance the quality of life for your dogs and strengthen the human-animal bond. For more information on creating Fear Free lives for your dogs, check out “From Fearful to Fear Free: A Positive Program to Free Your Dog from Anxiety, Fears, and Phobias,” By Dr. Marty Becker, or visit https://fearfreehappyhomes.com.
To find a Fear Free clinic near you, visit https://fearfreepets.com/or talk to your vet about this training program for your staff.
With over 35 years of experience advocating for animals in animal welfare, Cathy Rosenthal is a seasoned expert dedicated to improving the lives of our furry friends. Explore her books and programs by visiting https://cathyrosenthal.com/petpunditpublishing/.
Credit: Cathy M. Rosenthal, The Pet Pundit
