Noise Aversion Tips for Pets

Scared Dog Summer is here, and the July 4th firework celebrations will soon start. While you, your family, and your friends are planning a fun celebration with sparklers, blossoms, and luminous fountain displays, your canine is not.

While no one knows why dogs are scared of loud noises such as fireworks, thunder, or even lightning. Some think it could be genetic since some breeds have greater anxiety to loud noises (think herding breeds). Others suggest the fear could have been the result of a traumatic experience in the first three months of their life.

Regardless of the reason, pet parents near and far are continually searching for ways to help ease the stress of the summer season. Scared Dog Under Covers

Here are some of the behaviors that he or she will display if they do get scared by loud noises:

Shaking or clinging to you or another family member
Panicked and/or disoriented running or pacing
Excessive or destructive chewing
Uncharacteristic vocalization
Hiding or freezing in place
Sudden urination or defecation
Some dogs even go so far break glass or fences in an attempt to escape the noise

We have put together some tips to help you ease the stress of loud, booming noises for your four-legged family member:

DON’TS:

Bringing your dog to a fireworks display if he has previously shown signs of being scared of loud noises is a big no-no. In the event, you need to leave your dog during a thunderstorm or 4th of July celebration, find a dog-sitter or friend that can take care of her while you are out.
If your dog is not crate trained, now is not the time to start. Forcing them into a crate during thunderstorms to other loud events will cause them to try and escape from a crate or other confined areas and hurt themselves in the process.
Do not force your dog to be at a fireworks display in an attempt to “desensitize them”. This will only worsen the problem.
Leaving your dog outside is also a big no-no. Most dogs will escape, possibly getting hurt and end up at a local shelter.
And as odd as it may sound, do not coddle and try and calm your dog. They may interpret it as “See, there is something to be scared of”.

DOS

If your dog does voluntarily go into their crate during a thunderstorm or other loud noises, place a blanket over the crate and any windows to help block out the noise and lights.
Consider a pressure vest such as a Thunder Shirt or put continuous pressure with an arm around the whole body.
Pheromone therapy such as Adaptil’s collars, sprays, or diffusers can naturally calm your dog when they become anxious. Also, herbal products such as Solliquin can help as well.
Turn on the TV at a low volume or calming music such as Pet Tunes.
If all else fails, SILEO® is an FDA-approved treatment for dogs who suffer from noise aversion. The medication does not sedate your canine so that he may interact with the family normally. If your dog has had an exam by your vet in the last 12 months, your vet will know if SILEO® is an option to consider.

IF YOUR DOG DOES GET OUT

In the event that your dog does go missing after the firework celebrations, call your local pet shelters:

Idaho Humane Society (208) 343-3166
West Valley Humane Society (208) 455-5920
City of Star (208) 286-0440
Mountain Home Shelter (208) 587-2111

Also consider using social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and Nextdoor. These are all great platforms to post a picture of your pet and ask everyone to keep an eye out for them.

Last but not least, make sure their tags are up-to-date with all the right contact information. If your pet is microchipped, double-check to make sure that information is also current.

Fear Free Professionals As a certified Fear-Free veterinary hospital, everyone at Intermountain Pet Hospital is here to help you and your furry family members not only get through stressful situations but enjoy these beautiful summer months as well.

If you have questions about what noise aversion anxiety treatments are best for your dog, feel free to make an appointment or send us an email. We are happy to help any way we can.

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Dos and Don’ts to help your dog with noise aversion