-----Original Message----- From: Nancy Melone [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, June 29, 2003 1:42 AM To: Lori Oshiro; 'Freya Steinmeyer'; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: Study on Storm/Thunder Phobias in Dogs
The March 15th issue of the Journal of the American Veterinary Association describes a study by Dr. Sharon Crowell-Davis and colleagues at the University of Georgia investigating an aggressive treatment plan consisting of behavior-modification activities (desensitization and counter conditioning) and two medications (Clomicalm and Alprazolam) to reduce storm-related fear and anxiety. All dogs enrolled in the study exhibited fear responses to storms (e.g., trembling, pacing, panting, salivation, excessive vocalization, inappropriate elimination, destructiveness, self-mutilation and hovering near the caregiver). Thirty of the 32 dog who completed the showed improvement in all phobia-related behaviors as measured by their owners. The authors state that it may be impossible to eliminate all phobia-related behaviors, but it certainly seems possible to "increase tolerance to intense storms and decrease the number and intensity of behaviors related to storm phobia." Given the similar sound of thunder and firecrackers, I'll bet it is possible to have the same effect on fire cracker phobias. Nancy Melone Mars, PA
