Trembling. Drooling. Panting. Hiding in weird places.
If these things are a common sight for you when it storms or during fireworks, you’re probably the loving companion to a dog who’s scared of loud noises, aka noise phobia.
There’s nothing worse than watching your beloved pet quake with fear or run and hide during thunderstorms or fireworks. Their distress makes you distressed.
Even doing chores around the house can be a challenge if your animal is afraid of the vacuum cleaner, lawn mower, or leaf blower!
Chances are you’ve tried the usual remedies:
Turning the TV up loud or playing music
Turning a fan on high
Petting and comforting your pet for hours as they shake and drool
And chances are these remedies didn’t work very well. Creating a noisy environment or petting your animal until your arm falls off isn’t great for you…
…and as it turns out, you may be doing more harm than good.
In this article, I’ll show you natural and effective ways to help a dog or cat who’s scared of loud noises like thunder and fireworks.
The Difference Between Fear, Anxiety, and Phobia
A dog or cat that reacts to a sudden loud sound, then calms down, is just displaying garden variety fear. It’s a natural, instinctive response to a perceived threat or danger.
Anxiety takes fear up a notch to include distress even when a threat isn’t present. An animal who’s had a past bad experience associated with loud noises can produce a state of heightened alertness, nervousness, or restlessness. A dog that has experienced thunderstorms may begin to show signs of anxiety—like pacing or whining—hours before the storm begins, simply because they sense changes in the environment that they associate with the threat.
Phobia is an extreme, irrational fear that is disproportionate to the actual threat posed. It is a more intense and prolonged reaction than fear or anxiety that often leads to panic-like behaviors such as severe trembling, excessive drooling, destructive behavior, or frantic attempts to escape the situation. For instance, a dog with a noise phobia may become so overwhelmed by fear during fireworks that they try to hide in small, confined spaces or even injure themselves trying to escape.
Noise phobia is more common in dogs, but cats can suffer too. Although their reactions may be more subtle, the impact on their well-being can be just as significant. Like dogs, cats may develop noise phobia due to a combination of factors, including genetics, past traumatic experiences, and a lack of desensitization during their early development.
The first thing you should do for a dog who’s scared of loud noises is check to make sure your dog is microchipped AND that the information it contains is up to date and accurate.
Did you know that more pets are reported missing between July 4-6 than at any other time of the year?? That’s an increase of between 30-60%! Don’t get caught off guard. Having an up-to-date microchip will greatly increase the chances of finding your dog should they become lost.
Techniques to Begin Now to Help Your Dog Who is Scared of Loud Noises
Now is the time, during calm days, to prepare your animals for future thunderstorms and fireworks. There are techniques you can begin and supplies you can have on hand that will make the next noisy night so much better.
Desensitization Techniques
Desensitization is a gradual and effective way to help your pet overcome noise phobia by exposing them to the fear-inducing sound at a controlled and low level, slowly building up their tolerance over time. This technique is designed to reduce your pet's sensitivity to noises and help them associate these sounds with positive experiences rather than fear or anxiety.
Here’s how to safely desensitize your fearful dog or cat:
Identify the Trigger: Thunderstorms and fireworks are big triggers, but your animal may be sensitive to other loud noises. Choose the one that causes the most fear and work on that first.
Use Recorded Sounds: You can find recordings of the offensive noise through music apps or YouTube. There are even pet-specific training apps that offer soundtracks designed for desensitization.
Start at a low volume: Begin so softly that your pet barely notices it. You want to avoid triggering a full fear response at this stage. During this time, engage your pet in positive, enjoyable activities, such as playing with their favorite toy, practicing commands, or offering treats. This helps them form a positive association with the sound.
Gradually Increase the Volume: Go slowly to make sure your pet stays calm and enjoys the positive activity they’re engaged in. If you see signs of fear, turn it back down. Take your time!
Pair the Sound with Positive Reinforcement: Eventually, the sound isn’t something to fear but instead signals something good, like treats or playtime! Warning: Avoid comforting your pet if they start showing signs of fear, as this can inadvertently reinforce their anxious behavior. More on that in a bit.
Be Consistent and Patient: Desensitization takes time, and each pet progresses at their own pace. Some may take weeks or even months to build tolerance to the sound that scares them. Consistency is key – practice these sessions regularly but keep them short, especially in the beginning, to avoid overwhelming your pet.
Counterconditioning
Counterconditioning is a technique that can boost the effectiveness of desensitization. It focuses on changing your pet’s emotional reaction to the noise. Instead of simply reducing their sensitivity to it, you actively work to create a positive association with the sound by pairing the noise with something your pet loves – high value treats or a favorite toy or game you don’t play at other times. This way, you’re training them to associate the sound with something really enjoyable and special, something they don’t get daily, transforming a negative experience into a positive one.
Products to Buy Now and Have On Hand
Don’t get caught by surprise by the next thunderstorm! Prepare in advance by having these products on hand to help when loud noises start booming. These natural products are available at The Healthy Animal Healing Center.
CBD and Hemp
CBD is the non-psychoactive compound naturally found in the hemp plant. It has a calming effect and is an effective treatment for inflammation and joint pain.
Elle Calm is a hemp chew specifically designed for use in high-stress situations like those that trigger noise phobia.
Flower Essences
Flower essences are vibrational remedies that contain the energetic imprint of the flowers of various plants. They calm your pet without sedation. They’re useful in many situations, including stressful nights like the 4th of July or New Year’s Eve. To learn more about flower essences, read THIS.
Animal Essentials Tranquility Blend: This essence blend is specially designed for calming animals during acute episodes of fear and anxiety. It’s safe for both dogs and cats and can be administered directly by mouth, added to water, or applied topically.
Delta Gardens Calm: This blend of Borage, Cedar, Shasta Daisy, and St. John’s Wort is known for helping with fears and unknown anxieties.
Delta Gardens Relax: This blend of Blue Vervain, Golden Amaranthus, Lemon Balm, and Yarrow is formulated to support and balance your animal’s system during stressful times.
Flower Essences are safe, natural, and have no adverse side-effects, yet they are powerful and effective at supporting your animal companion during times of stress or fear and create a calming effect on the mind that will help your desensitization efforts to help a dog who’s scared of loud noises.
Herbal Remedies
These remedies can be especially beneficial for pets with mild to moderate phobias or as a complementary treatment alongside other behavioral interventions. Start with the lowest recommended dose and monitor your pet's response, adjusting as necessary.
Herbal Remedies:
Valerian Root: Known for its calming and sedative properties, valerian root can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation in both dogs and cats. It's often used before anticipated noisy events like fireworks or thunderstorms.
Skullcap: Often used in conjunction with valerian, skullcap is another herb that helps soothe the nervous system, making it effective for managing fear and stress in noise-sensitive pets.
Chamomile: Chamomile is gentle enough for pets and provides a mild calming effect. It's ideal for pets that need a little extra help relaxing without heavy sedation.
It’s always a good idea to consult your veterinarian before using herbal remedies, but not all vets will be familiar with their usage or efficacy. Holistic veterinarians will be able to guide the use of these herbs.
Petting Your Dog During Noise Phobia May Do More Harm Than Good
As your animal’s loving companion, your first instinct is to comfort your animal companions by petting them when they’re distressed, but this well-meaning response can sometimes have unintended consequences.
Petting a fearful dog might reinforce their anxious behavior, signaling to them that their fear is justified and that the noise is indeed something to be worried about.
Why Petting Might Not Help:
Reinforcing Fearful Behavior: Dogs are highly attuned to their owner’s reactions. If you pet your dog while they are exhibiting fearful behaviors—such as shaking, whining, or hiding—they may interpret this as validation of their fear. This can reinforce the idea that the noise is a real threat, leading to a cycle of increased anxiety over time.
Mixed Signals: While your intention is to comfort, dogs can misinterpret petting during moments of fear as a reward for their anxious behavior. This mixed signal can confuse them and make it harder for them to learn that there is nothing to fear from the noise.
What to Do Instead:
Stay Calm and Neutral: Your demeanor greatly affects your dog’s perception of the situation. Act as if nothing is wrong, and go about your normal activities in a calm and relaxed manner. This helps signal to your dog that the noise is not a cause for concern.
Provide a Safe Space: Create a quiet, comfortable area where your dog can retreat when they feel scared. This could be a crate covered with a blanket, a designated room, or a cozy corner with their favorite bedding and toys. Encourage them to use this space by placing calming items, like chew toys or a piece of your clothing, to provide comfort.
Engage in Distraction Activities: Distracting your dog with activities they enjoy, such as playing with their favorite toy or practicing basic obedience commands, can help shift their focus away from the noise. Use treats and praise to positively reinforce these activities, showing them that calm behavior is rewarded.
Practice Calm Touch: Applying gentle, consistent pressure—such as through a calming wrap (like a Thundershirt) or using slow, firm strokes along the body can provide a grounding effect. If your dog will tolerate it, you can lean on them to provide calm, consistent pressure. Be subtle and supportive without overemphasizing their fear.
By being proactive, having supporting tools and remedies on hand, and desensitizing your animals before the noise begins, it won’t be long before the sight of storm clouds brewing or roadside fireworks shops won’t make you or your pet dread what’s coming.
Take your time, stay calm yourself, and work to make the next holiday celebration fun for everyone!
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