Some Dogs Are Scaredy Cats

June 29, 2017

Not to make light of fearful dogs, but some dogs are scared of their own shadow. While most dogs are naturally sensitive to sounds, not all dogs are scared of them. But when they are, it’s called noise phobia.

Noise Phobia In Dogs

Sometimes noise phobia can develop following a frighteningly loud situation that involves your dog, and other times it’s a result of poor socialization. Take my dog for example. She grew up in a busy city and is used to the hustle and bustle, but firetrucks and reversing, beeping trucks still upset her. But she doesn’t freak out. On the other hand, there’s one sound that drives her wild, to the point where she becomes disoriented and tries to run away. It’s the slapping sound of a skateboard.

It’s not the skateboard itself that freaks her out, but the slapping noise. She developed this noise phobia right after an incident involving a temporary road works sign and a speeding car. Just as we were walking past this road sign, some wise guy decides he’s going to plough right through it. When the sign hit the ground, it was the biggest shock. I thought we had been shot because it sounded exactly like gunfire. Ever since then, my dog has a panic attack when she hears any sort of clapping noise.

Now, like most dogs, thunderstorms and fireworks are a huge source of distress for her. But unlike most dogs who display a natural fear of thunderstorms or fireworks, my dog’s response is over the top and qualifies as a phobia. 

If you’ve never seen a dog with noise phobia, it’s not a pretty sight. Some dogs pant and salivate uncontrollably, other dogs will become very anxious and restless, running around aimlessly, tail between their legs. Others become very destructive, digging and chewing, as if trying to escape. At times, it feels like there’s nothing you can do to calm them down. 

But according to PetMD, experts recommend a number of options to help comfort and calm your dog during these stressful times. 

Ways to Calm and Comfort Dogs 

1. If your dog is one of those who hides under the bed during a thunderstorm, then try getting her an anxiety vest. These little jackets create just enough pressure to comfort your dog, kind of like receiving a passive hug.
2. Set up a quiet place away from all the noise where your dog can retreat during noisy thunderstorms and fireworks celebrations. Some dogs will find their own safe place to hide, but it doesn’t hurt to make it comfy and cozy for them.
3. Calming scents like lavender have been shown to help calm dogs down. You can buy your own essential oils and apply them to their collar or use a mist diffuser. There is also quite a few products on the market containing essential oils and natural ingredients to help your dog.
4. Cuddle your dog if she needs it. Don’t chide her or make her feel she’s being a big baby. If she wants to cling to you during the storm, then let her. It’s also a good idea not to leave your dog alone if you know you’re going to be away during a thunderstorm or fireworks celebration.
5. In extreme cases, vets recommend medication. This is used only after everything else has failed.

It’s important to remember that dog’s are highly sensitive to sound, something they’ve developed for survival. So it makes sense to treat sound and loud noises carefully around your dog. For instance, chasing them around the house with the vacuum cleaner might seem like fun for you, but for your dog, it’s a very scary experience. Take care.

by Natalie Secretan
Professional Dog Walker
PuppyDogCapers.com

Photo credit: Jonathan Meddings - A Penny For Your Thoughts