Loud Sounds That Scare Off Dogs, An Examination by Veterinarian Liz McCalley, DVM, CCRT, Reviewed by Veterinarian Catherine Barnette, DVM on September 30, 2024, and Published on September 10, 2020. Shares available on Facebook, Twitter, Email, and Print.

Dogs, being sensitive creatures, can be easily startled by various noises in their environment. Some breeds, such as German Shepherds, Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, Chihuahuas, and Greyhounds, are genetically prone to noise phobias.

One of the most common scary sounds for dogs is thunder. Fireworks, with their loud and sudden bursts, are another. Airplanes flying overhead, especially for dogs raised in rural areas, can cause fear. Construction noises, like jackhammers, tractors, and hammers, can be especially frightening for dogs with noise phobias. Even common household items like vacuum cleaners and air conditioners or furnaces turning on can startle some dogs.

The symptoms of noise phobia in dogs can vary, but may include trembling, pacing, panting, hyperalertness, whining, barking, drooling, hiding, attempting to escape, destructive behaviors, urinating or defecating indoors, pinned back ears, stiffened body position, and dilated pupils.

Fortunately, there are several techniques to help dogs with noise phobias. Training methods can include desensitizing them to the sounds they fear using recordings, creating a safe haven for them to retreat to, and rewarding them for calm behavior. Certain products, such as noise-cancelling headphones for dogs, compression garments, and calming pheromones, may also be helpful in calming some dogs.

It is essential to remember that dogs exhibiting fearful behavior should be examined by a veterinarian to rule out underlying health conditions, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease.

In addition to these strategies, ignoring a dog when they are behaving fearfully and consistently rewarding them as soon as they calm down or start playing with a toy can be an effective training technique. Classical music, white noise, or the sounds of waterfalls can help to calm or soothe dogs in loud environments.

Interestingly, an estimated 39% of dogs show symptoms of noise fearfulness. This statistic underscores the importance of understanding and addressing noise phobias in dogs to improve their quality of life and overall well-being.

Lastly, it's worth noting that dogs probably dislike the sounds of buses and trash trucks because they are loud and create a variety of high pitched noises. Car alarms, with their loud and sudden sounds, may cause windows and door frames to rattle, potentially causing dogs to become agitated. Gun shots are very loud to dogs, adding to the list of noises they may find frightening.

By understanding the noises that scare dogs and implementing strategies to help them cope, we can ensure our furry friends remain calm and comfortable in a wide range of environments.

Loud Sounds That Scare Off Dogs, An Examination by Veterinarian Liz McCalley, DVM, CCRT, Reviewed by Veterinarian Catherine Barnette, DVM on September 30, 2024, and Published on September 10, 2020. Shares available on Facebook, Twitter, Email, and Print.