Does your dog have a fear of loud noises such as thunderstorms, gunshots and fireworks? If you answered yes, your dog could be suffering from noise phobia.
Noise phobia is a fairly common and very real problem for many dogs. These animals can become frantic and overwhelmed with fear during theses noise episodes. The fear tends to get worse as the animal ages. No one knows exactly why some dogs fear these loud noise and some don’t. The fear may not be limited to the noise alone. During thunderstorms, changes in barometric pressure and humidity can affect your dog’s senses and possibly even cause discomfort in the ears.
Animals have a tendency to react to our reactions. If you get nervous and scared during thunderstorms, your pet has a greater chance of acting the same way. Your dog will pick up on your body language and emotions, so try to remain calm and confident. Don’t coddle your dog during a thunderstorm episode. Petting and praising can be interpreted as a reward for the negative or nervous behavior.
If you know your dog has noise phobia, try to plan ahead. If thunderstorms are looming, or the Fourth of July has arrived, don’t leave your dog unattended in the yard. He/she will find a way out! Some dogs prefer the safety and comfort of a small room or a crate. Turn the TV or radio up loud enough to distract from the noise outside. Reward your pet with praise, only after your dog is calm and relaxed. Consider distracting your dog during the remainder of the storm or noise episode by practicing basic commands or playing fetch.
For more severe cases consider speaking with your Veterinarian. Your dog may benefit from a sedative such as Acepromazine, or an anti-anxiety drug such as Xanax, Clomipramine or Valium. You may also want to ask your veterinarian about the DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) calming collar or wall plug in.
Act now to help prevent problems in the future.
