By Christine D. Calder,
DVM, DACVB
Calder Veterinary Behavior Services, www.caldervbs.com
Many dogs fear loud noises. This is a common problem for dogs. Fireworks are the biggest trigger, followed by thunder and gunshots. These noises can traumatize dogs, causing fear that lasts for weeks or months. Fireworks are used in many celebrations, like New Year’s Eve and the 4th of July, which can frighten animals. Locally, gunshots and bird scare cannons used to protect crops also add to the problem. Thunderstorms, which can be unpredictable and frequent in some seasons, make it worse. Climate change is expected to increase severe thunderstorms, making loud noises an even bigger concern for dog caregivers.
Noise fears often start early in a dog's life, usually in the first or second year. These fears can get worse with age, but it is rare for a dog to develop new noise fears later in life. If a dog suddenly becomes scared of noises when older, it might mean there is a health problem, like neck, back, or joint pain, or a condition affecting the endocrine system, heart, lungs, nervous system, or brain. A thorough medical check-up helps to find these issues and provide the right treatment.
Genetics can play a role in noise sensitivity, as some breeds are more affected than others. However, mixed-breed dogs also show high levels of noise sensitivity, suggesting that the environment matters too. Mixed-breed dogs are often adopted from shelters or found on the street, which means they might have had fewer socialization experiences compared to purebred dogs. Purebred dogs are usually raised by breeders who know the importance of early socialization. Proper socialization, especially early in life, can reduce noise fears.
Helping dogs with noise fears involves managing their environment, behavior training, and sometimes medication. Environmental management includes creating a safe, quiet space for the dog during noisy events. This could be a comfortable crate covered to block out visual stimuli or an interior room. The dog should feel secure in this space and associate it with relaxation and positive experiences before any noisy events happen. Keeping dogs in a closed crate is okay only for short periods if they are not scared or anxious, and they should be able to enter and leave the crate on their own. Staying in a windowless room or blocking out visual stimuli by closing curtains and blinds can help. Masking outside sounds with music or white noise, like a loud fan or drumbeats, can also work. Classical music, jazz, and audiobooks have also been shown to reduce fearful behavior during noise events. Distracting the dog with food, games, or training tasks during noisy events can help them form a positive association with the noises.
Ignoring dogs who are seeking comfort is not recommended, as it can increase their anxiety. Comforting them by petting or talking to them can reduce their stress levels, but this should only be done if the dog seeks contact on its own. Feeding and playing with dogs during noise events can create positive associations, helping to reduce their fear over time.
Various calming products are available, but their effectiveness varies. Some products, like pheromones, pressure vests, and certain herbal remedies, have shown mixed results. Prescription medications can be more effective but should be used carefully and tailored to each dog. These medications help reduce anxiety during noise events and can support behavior modification by helping dogs form new, positive associations with the noise triggers.
Behavior modification techniques are needed for long-term improvement. Desensitization and counterconditioning are commonly used methods. Desensitization involves gradually exposing the dog to the fear-eliciting stimulus, starting at a low intensity and slowly increasing it over time, allowing the dog to learn that the noise is harmless. Counterconditioning pairs the fear-eliciting stimulus with desirable rewards, like treats or play, to change the dog’s association with the noise. Using recordings of fireworks or thunderstorms for desensitization and counterconditioning is considered the best method for treating noise fears. However, real-life noises are often more effective because they include other sensory stimuli like smells and sights.
Counter-conditioning techniques, where a loud noise is immediately followed by a reward, can also help. This method is practical for everyday life and effective in preventing and improving noise fears in dogs. Relaxation training, which teaches dogs to relax on cue, is another effective method. This can involve classical conditioning, where relaxation is paired with a specific signal or operant reinforcement, where relaxed behavior is rewarded. When teaching relaxation exercises, starting in the safe room helps dogs develop a positive emotional response to that room or area.
Preventing noise fears through early socialization and training is possible and effective. Caregivers can teach puppies and adult dogs to form positive associations with noises, reducing fear and improving their well-being. Training both puppies and adult dogs before they show any signs of fear is particularly effective. Staying calm and relaxed when potentially startling stimuli occur can also help as dogs respond to human behaviors and emotions.
In conclusion, noise fears in dogs can be managed and even prevented through a combination of environmental management, behavior modification, and medication. Early socialization and training are key to preventing noise fears while proper management and training can help dogs already affected by noise fears. If your dog is experiencing noise sensitivities, consult with your veterinarian to rule out potential medical causes and determine if medications would be beneficial for your dog.
