Noise aversion is a common condition in pets, affecting about two-thirds of dogs and an untold number of cats. In response to a scary sound, an affected pet exhibits noise aversion (i.e., phobia) signs that are similar to a human’s panic attack signs. Without early intervention, a pet’s noise aversion can continue to worsen, and may also develop into other anxieties and phobias, including separation and generalized anxiety disorders. Signs can become so severe that a pet injures themself or damages their home in an attempt to hide or escape. 

Noise aversion is more than simply a fear of loud sounds. Because this condition can cause serious mental and physical distress, take action to prevent your four-legged friend’s noise aversion from worsening. Read our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team’s five don’ts for managing your pet’s noise aversion.

DON’T ignore the signs of noise aversion in your pet

You may believe your pet’s reaction to loud events is normal. However, if your pet has an exaggerated, extended response to a sound, they likely have noise aversion. For example, many pets startle at an unexpected sound, such as a ringing doorbell or a backfiring car, but if your pet trembles, hides, or clings to your side for an extended period after the event, they need help managing their noise aversion.

To initiate a treatment management plan as soon as possible, keep an eye out for your pet’s noise-aversion reaction. Pets’ noise-aversion signs include:

  • Panting
  • Drooling
  • Pacing
  • Hyperalertness
  • Trembling
  • Cowering
  • Attention-seeking behavior
  • Excessive vocalization
  • Inappropriate elimination
  • Destructive behavior
  • Attempting to escape

DON’T expose your pet to scary sounds

While you can’t eliminate every run-in with a frightening sound, limit your pet’s exposure to scary noises as much as possible. Noise-averse pets’ potential sound triggers include:

  • Thunderstorms
  • Fireworks
  • Gunshots
  • Traffic
  • Construction
  • Alarms
  • Household appliances
  • Sirens
  • Vacuum cleaners

Once you determine the sounds that trigger fear in your pet, take steps to reduce their exposure. If noisy traffic and crowds frighten your pet, reroute your daily walks to wander through the woods rather than heading downtown. If you’re having home improvement work done, consider boarding your pet during the day or asking a friend if your four-legged friend can spend the day at their house, so your furry pal can avoid the deafening construction noise taking place at home. When thunderstorms roll in, head to a quiet room in your home and hang out with your pet until the storm passes.

DON’T be overly dramatic when your pet is showing noise aversion

Many pet owners attempt to soothe their pet when they display anxiety, but rapidly repeating, “It’s OK, it’s OK, it’s OK,” may only increase your pet’s fear. Pets are exceptionally adept at picking up on their owner’s distress, so model calm behavior to help soothe your pet.

In addition, if they are reacting in fear, avoid scolding your pet if they urinate or defecate indoors, continuously howl, or are constantly underfoot. Scolding your furry pal for destructive or irritating behavior when they are scared only frightens them more. Respond to your pet’s fears with positivity by redirecting their attention, offering a high-value treat, playing an interactive game, or asking your furry pal to perform tricks.

DON’T underestimate the power of calming aids

A wide variety of calming aids can soothe a pet’s distress and ease their anxiety. Typically, using a combination of products together provides maximum efficacy, and you may need to perform a few trial runs to determine your pet’s most effective calming strategy. Consider these pet calming aids:

  • Supplements —Supplements for reducing pets’ anxiety can be administered as needed.
  • Pheromones — Species-specific pheromone sprays and diffusers can soothe your pet’s anxieties.
  • Compression wraps — Shirts or vests that wrap your pet snugly apply pressure to calming points on their body.
  • Music — Music specifically designed for pets can encourage calm behavior, as can classical music or white noise.

DON’T be afraid to use medication to ease your pet’s anxiety

Summer ushers in noisy events such as fireworks displays and thunderstorms. Before these scary situations occur, ask your Creature Comforts Veterinary Service veterinarian to recommend the most effective anxiety-alleviating medications and methods that could benefit your noise-averse pet. Each anti-anxiety drug affects each pet differently, so do a trial run before the first fireworks flare or thunder’s boom. One of your pets may be overly sedated on a certain medication, while another may appear unfazed. Fortunately, many drug combinations have a wide safety margin that allows our team to concoct the perfect calming cocktail for each of your pets.

July Fourth fireworks, thunderstorms, and the vacuum cleaner don’t have to be scary for your four-legged friend. Schedule your pet’s noise-aversion management strategizing visit with our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team.