It has been known that dogs have an ultra-sensitive hearing. The average human can hear frequencies in a 20 to 20 kiloHertz. And what amazing is, dogs can hear about twice this said range!
Dogs can move and twitch their ears in different directions. These actions mean they are trying to locate the source of the sound they hear. Another amazing fact about a dog’s hearing is that they can hear sounds that are approximately four times farther than a human hearing can.
With these amazing hearing capabilities, it is not a question that certain loud sounds can scare them. And some dogs develop a noise phobia because of the sounds that scare them.
According to the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, noise phobia is defined as “an excessive fear of a sound that results in the dog attempting to avoid or escape from the sound. It’s an irrational, intense and persistent fear response that can develop at any age and in any dog breed.” Dogs with noise phobia can drool, pace, shake or look for a place to hide because of certain sounds.
Noise phobia can greatly affect a dog’s well-being emotionally. Certain sounds can induce panic and stress in a dog with noise phobia. The dog can run away, seek shelter, or jump out of the window just to escape in hearing the sound.
The following are the noises that can scare dogs:
- smoke detectors
- fireworks
- thunderstorms
- security alarms
- people yelling and shouting
- gunshots
- squawking pet parrots
- loud trucks and cars
According to Dr. Dodman, who ran the Animal Behavioral Clinic at Tufts, more than 50 percent of dogs do show some signs of fear and anxiety to sounds, sights, and situations.
In fact, “Fear and anxiety rank as the No. 1 issue with dogs,” says Dr. Dodman. “No one knows for sure, but it may have to do with their physical size, shape, structure, their temperaments and/or environmental influences.”, he added.
Tools for Calming
Even if there is not a certain solution about noise phobia for dogs right now, there are still things that pet owners can do to calm their dog when it is experiencing a noise phobia attack. Keep on reading to know them.
- Be calm. Never give punishment for your dog for its behavior regarding sounds. Also, consult professionals regarding dogs’ behaviors or dog trainers regarding this matter.
- Block the noise. White noise or music with soothing vibes can help with blocking the noise and can induce calmness to your dog.
- Sprays and Diffusers. Pheromone sprays and diffusers emit pheromones in the air which can help dogs to calm down when they are stressed or scared.
- Safe and comfortable. You can soundproof your dog’s crate or have a ‘safe room’ for your canine buddy in which it can stay whenever there is a storm or fireworks sounds nearby. You can also try some anti-anxiety vests, anti-static jackets, or towels which you can wrap around your dog when it is trembling with fear to make it less anxious.
- Medication. Some dogs require medications and supplements to cope up with the phobia. Always go to your veterinarian to know the right medicines to give to your paw friend. The veterinarian can also give a combination prescription or medicines.
Nevertheless, seek help immediately when you observed that your dog is not behaving well and shows signs of fear to loud noise like thunder, no matter if it is young or old.
Prevention is always better than cure.
