Fall is fast approaching. The kids are back to school, the daylight hours are dwindling and some nights we are starting to feel a slight chill in the evening air. While yesterday was Labor Day which symbolizes the end of summer, technically we still have a few weeks left before it is officially fall. In this fifth and final look at summer safety tips we will look at fear of loud noises such as thunderstorms and fireworks, what causes this behavior and how to keep a frightened dog calm.
Noise related phobias in dogs may be a result of genetics or past experience. Some breeds seem to be more inclined to be afraid of loud noises, however it is unclear whether there is a genetic predisposition in these breeds or if their hearing may be more acute. Regardless, noise phobia seems to be more prevalent in many of the herding breeds. This type of fear may also be triggered by a traumatic past experience. Symptoms include, whining, panting, drooling or trying to hide or escape. In extreme cases, dogs may have accidents in the house, cling frantically to their owners or even jump out of windows. Symptoms of noise phobia most often present themselves with sudden loud noises such as gunshots, fireworks or thunder but other loud noises such as traffic, lawnmowers or even wind may also trigger fearful behavior.
In dogs with mild to moderate phobias, desensitization has been shown to reduce or alleviate symptoms in some cases. This might involve playing recordings of the feared noises on a daily basis, starting with a lower volume and gradually increasing the sound levels. The recordings may be accompanied by gentle petting to try to get your dog to associate the noise with something pleasant and non-threatening. It may also be helpful to work with your dog in one area of the house which can act as a safe place. That way when a real thunderstorm or noise event occurs you can take your dog to his safe place and give him that extra attention.
In dogs with mild to moderate phobias, desensitization has been shown to reduce or alleviate symptoms in some cases. This might involve playing recordings of the feared noises on a daily basis, starting with a lower volume and gradually increasing the sound levels. The recordings may be accompanied by gentle petting to try to get your dog to associate the noise with something pleasant and non-threatening. It may also be helpful to work with your dog in one area of the house which can act as a safe place. That way when a real thunderstorm or noise event occurs you can take your dog to his safe place and give him that extra attention.
It is important when attempting this method to raise the volume of the recordings very gradually and over a period of time. Trying to perform the desensitization procedure too quickly will probably not be successful. Once you notice improvement, desensitization techniques should be reinforced every week or so. In some cases, massaging your dog with lavender oil while listening to the recorded noises can be helpful as part of the desensitization process.
Counter-conditioning is another method you can try. This could involve redirecting your dog’s attention with other pleasant noises or planning something your dog enjoys when you know he will be exposed to loud noises, like going for a car ride, planning a play date with a special friend or offering special treats when you know a thunderstorm is predicted.
Some of the things you should not do if your dog is afraid are punishing or scolding, or forcing him to face his fears. These approaches will likely make the fears worse. It is also not a good idea to constantly fawn over your dog as this will only feed his anxiety. Instead, reward him when he displays calm, confident behavior.
Some of the things you should not do if your dog is afraid are punishing or scolding, or forcing him to face his fears. These approaches will likely make the fears worse. It is also not a good idea to constantly fawn over your dog as this will only feed his anxiety. Instead, reward him when he displays calm, confident behavior.
If desensitization and counter conditioning are not successful, there are other techniques you can try such as avoiding the source of the fear when possible. For example if your dog is afraid of traffic noise, try walking him in quiet areas or at times of the day when traffic is at a minimum. The other thing you can do is just wait out a thunderstorm or other infrequent event. There are products like the Thunder Shirt that may help but not all of these products will work for all dogs. In extreme cases, it may be necessary to ask your vet for anti-anxiety medication if none of the other methods work.
If you have the option start when your dog is young by exposing him to as many different stimuli as possible. While we never want to see our dogs stressed and fearful, some dogs are just unable to cope. However, as they get older and their hearing becomes less acute they may demonstrate less sensitivity to noise. The good news for many dog owners though is that with time, patience and the right techniques, their dogs can overcome their fears and enjoy healthy and happy lives.
If you have the option start when your dog is young by exposing him to as many different stimuli as possible. While we never want to see our dogs stressed and fearful, some dogs are just unable to cope. However, as they get older and their hearing becomes less acute they may demonstrate less sensitivity to noise. The good news for many dog owners though is that with time, patience and the right techniques, their dogs can overcome their fears and enjoy healthy and happy lives.
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