What to do about Noise Phobias
Fear of Thunder & Fireworks.
For years, I lived with a dog with both. Thunder, especially, was trickier because it could happen anytime during the day while we were at work or school. As soon as one person in our family heard the thunder, we’d text each other to find out who could get home the soonest to be with Buffy. Buffy would become frantic when storms hit. If she was outside, she wanted to get inside; if she was inside, she wanted to get outside. She’d chew up doors, jump fences and, once outside, run for her life. Many dogs have noise phobias and spring/summertime can, therefore, be especially difficult.
There are several things we can do to help our dogs when they are in such a state of fear:
Be with your dog whenever possible. Don’t believe anyone who tells you that if you pet and cuddle your dog when they are fearful of such loud noises, that you are “rewarding” their fear and will therefore make it worse. If you are terrified of spiders, and I feed you M&Ms each time you see a spider, will that make you more fearful of spiders? Not likely. Be there for them to provide the comfort they so desperately need.
Set up their environment to help them. Turn on the TV. Close the blinds. Turn on a white noise machine. Run the vacuum. Spray lavender on their bed.
Give them access to the bathroom. What? Yup! Porcelain (bathtubs, toilets, sinks) offer protection from static electricity generated during a storm. You may notice that your dog instinctively hides behind the toilet just before a storm hits.
Don’t rule out more powerful help. Rescue Remedy, CBD for dogs, or other natural anti-anxiety will work for some dogs. Others may need help with an oral medication provided by your veterinarian.
Don’t take them to fireworks displays. It’s wonderful to be able to take our dog with us to social gatherings but even the most social dogs can panic during fireworks displays.
If you can’t stay home with them, be sure they are inside, safe. Year after year, humane societies see an influx of dogs before/during/after July 4th, with dogs feeling panicked and scared, running away from the loud noises.
If you decide to try a natural remedy, or one recommended by your veterinarian, try it before you need it. Give it to your dog when you’re home and can keep an eye on her. Take note how the remedy affects her. This way you can be sure she is both physically and emotionally in a safe place before leaving her alone.
These noise phobias are quite common. There is nothing wrong with your dog. Be patient, supportive and creative to figure out how to best help her. And, be there for her. It’s a legitimate fear and she needs you.
If you are feeling at your wit’s end, talk to your veterinarian or contact us for guidance. We’ve been there, done that. We can help.
(Photo is of Tali, listening with concern to the bang of fireworks next door.)