Some veterinarians or owners may use the terms Dog Noise Phobia or Dog Noise Anxiety to describe a dogs fear of loud noises and their response to them which is often linked with stress responses. You may be surprised that it can be quite common in dogs and things like fireworks, thunderstorms, revving of a car , pinging of an oven timer or screaming children can all be a trigger for this stress and anxiety.
Some signs your dog could be stressed because of noise include:
· Urinating or defecating
· Hiding
· Chewing
· Panting
· Pacing
· Digging
· Trying to jump out of windows or otherwise escape
· Drooling
· Seeking out the owner
· Flatulence
· Barking
· Trembling
· Dilated pupils
Some of the milder symptoms may become more evident if your dog is exposed to them over and over again without support. Memory of previous negative events may also heighten the noise phobia in your dog and further compound the problem. In words the phobia can escalate easily. If your dog doesn’t respond, seek veterinary attention.
Here are some non-medicative ways of helping your dog should they be suffering – especially during this noisy time of year.
Pressure wraps Pressure , body wraps, thundershirts or anxiety wraps are all great ways of providing the calm constant pressure on the coat and skin of your dog which will help them feel stable and cocooned. A bit like swaddling a baby , it is very soothing. It is important though to always choose the appropriate size for your pet – always seek advice on this.
Training Its important to help your pet cope during the noise phobia. If you know to anticipate a noisy event, then help them by getting them settled into a safe environment, such as their crate, bed or a ‘safe corner’. But train them to do this well before needing it, so they learn that this is their safe space and a place to relax.
Desensitisation As the phrase intimates, a gradual introduction to a noise that may prove stressful will help them cope when they suddenly hear it – helping them when the stress response comes out. Slow and steady training with a low volume of the noise, for example thunderstorm noise, incrementally increased over weeks should aid in the desensitisation of the noise and fear association. Noise recordings for this purpose are available on line and through some vets.
Treating When a stress noise occurs treat the dog for calm behaviour, sitting and quiet – avoid treating is panting and pacing. The aim is to use treats to attempt to condition the fear stimulus with positive associations. Treats, a favorite toy, activity, or a place, are presented prior and following a fireworks for example. Positive reinforcement will hopefully make them associate the noise with something pleasant. Try not to reward anxious behaviour though.
Exercise A good walk or run before the noisy event will help reduce stress and help them calm down on the night.
Sound therapy
Sound therapy like classic music, whale sounds etc can sometimes also be a positive distraction and aid in the relief of separation anxiety or noise phobia. There are lots of ideas on various media platforms – find one that suits you and your dog.
In the end the most important thing is to always make sure your dog feels safe, happy and loved.
Broadreach Nature have a large range of calming products available to support you in supporting your dog. From room sprays to tasty chews – take a look here
Noise Phobia in Dogs
Some veterinarians or owners may use the terms Dog Noise Phobia or Dog Noise Anxiety to describe a dogs fear of loud noises and their response to them which is often linked with stress responses. You may be surprised that it can be quite common in dogs and things like fireworks, thunderstorms, revving of a car , pinging of an oven timer or screaming children can all be a trigger for this stress and anxiety.
Some signs your dog could be stressed because of noise include:
· Urinating or defecating
· Hiding
· Chewing
· Panting
· Pacing
· Digging
· Trying to jump out of windows or otherwise escape
· Drooling
· Seeking out the owner
· Flatulence
· Barking
· Trembling
· Dilated pupils
Some of the milder symptoms may become more evident if your dog is exposed to them over and over again without support. Memory of previous negative events may also heighten the noise phobia in your dog and further compound the problem. In words the phobia can escalate easily. If your dog doesn’t respond, seek veterinary attention.
Here are some non-medicative ways of helping your dog should they be suffering – especially during this noisy time of year.
Pressure wraps
Pressure , body wraps, thundershirts or anxiety wraps are all great ways of providing the calm constant pressure on the coat and skin of your dog which will help them feel stable and cocooned. A bit like swaddling a baby , it is very soothing. It is important though to always choose the appropriate size for your pet – always seek advice on this.
Training
Its important to help your pet cope during the noise phobia. If you know to anticipate a noisy event, then help them by getting them settled into a safe environment, such as their crate, bed or a ‘safe corner’. But train them to do this well before needing it, so they learn that this is their safe space and a place to relax.
Desensitisation
As the phrase intimates, a gradual introduction to a noise that may prove stressful will help them cope when they suddenly hear it – helping them when the stress response comes out. Slow and steady training with a low volume of the noise, for example thunderstorm noise, incrementally increased over weeks should aid in the desensitisation of the noise and fear association. Noise recordings for this purpose are available on line and through some vets.
Treating
When a stress noise occurs treat the dog for calm behaviour, sitting and quiet – avoid treating is panting and pacing. The aim is to use treats to attempt to condition the fear stimulus with positive associations. Treats, a favorite toy, activity, or a place, are presented prior and following a fireworks for example. Positive reinforcement will hopefully make them associate the noise with something pleasant. Try not to reward anxious behaviour though.
Exercise
A good walk or run before the noisy event will help reduce stress and help them calm down on the night.
Sound therapy
Sound therapy like classic music, whale sounds etc can sometimes also be a positive distraction and aid in the relief of separation anxiety or noise phobia. There are lots of ideas on various media platforms – find one that suits you and your dog.
In the end the most important thing is to always make sure your dog feels safe, happy and loved.
Broadreach Nature have a large range of calming products available to support you in supporting your dog. From room sprays to tasty chews – take a look here