Noise Phobias in Pets to Thunderstorms, Fireworks and Other Sounds
Understanding noise phobias in pets: Summary
- Noise phobias in pets are common, especially in dogs, perhaps due to negative experiences or lack of exposure when young,
- Management of the noise problem is important including keeping the pet safe and giving them comforting items.
- Long term solutions involve desensitising the pet to the anxiety-provoking sounds. Medication may also help.
Understanding noise phobias in pets, including dogs and cats
Noise phobias and sound sensitivities in pets are common behaviour issues. Our dogs especially may react to unwelcome sounds including thunder, fireworks, sirens, lawnmowers and even pots and pans banging. Cats may run and hide. It help to understand these sensitivities, fears, anxieties and phobias.
If your pet is sensitive to sounds, you are not alone. Noise phobias are one of the most common problem that pet owners face. Noise phobias can, however, be overcome.
We tend to talk more about these phobias in our dogs as their outward signs are more obvious. Similar causes are found in cats too.
Most dogs learn, early on in life, that sounds and noises are relatively predictable and not particularly stimulating, therefore do not react to them. Dogs that react to particular noises tend to do so when they have not been introduced to that sound when young. They have had no experience of that sound or they have possibly had a negative experience.
Common noise anxieties include thunderstorms, fireworks, lawn mowers, vacuum cleaners and other sounds only heard irregularly such as party music or dropping pots and pans.