Noise Phobia and Your Pets

Did you know that at least one in three dogs suffer from noise aversion? Noise aversion is a fearful reaction to noise. It is stressful for your dog — and is likely also stressful for you. According to the American Animal Hospital Association, 40 percent of dogs with a noise phobia also experience separation anxiety.

Your dog could be suffering in silence. But here’s the good news: We have an at-home treatment that can help.

The most common noise phobias are fireworks and thunderstorms. But some pets may develop a fear of any sound no matter how inconsequential. First, look for the signs. Does your dog react to loud noises (fireworks, thunder, vacuum cleaner, construction noise or street noise) with any of the following behaviors?

• Pacing
• Trembling or shaking
• Hiding
• Restlessness
• Cowering
• Lip licking
• Refuses to eat
• Excessive vigilance/hypervigilance
• Vocalizing (whining or barking at the sounds)
• Brow furrowed and ears back
• Yawning
• Owner seeking behavior and abnormal clinginess
• Freezing or immobility
• Urinating indoors

For more helpful info on noise aversion, check out this link. In fact, the full interactive diagnostic survey can be completed and printed out. Please schedule an appointment with us and bring the survey results with you.