As summer approaches, owners of noise-averse pets must prepare for storm season, and the dreaded July Fourth holiday. Noise aversion (i.e., a fear of loud noises such as thunderstorms, fireworks, and car backfires) affects up to two-thirds of dogs, yet many of these pets go undiagnosed and untreated. Stress and fear are mentally damaging, and panic can cause pets to become destructive—or worse—to escape and run away. Caldwell Animal Hospital recognizes how ongoing fear and anxiety can negatively impact your pet, and we help you address this problem as you prepare for the upcoming summer holidays.

What is noise aversion in pets?

Noise aversion, which affects up to two-thirds of our dogs, is an exaggerated fear or phobia of select noises. Common triggers include fireworks, thunderstorms, smoke detectors, construction noises, and vacuums, but pets can become sensitized to any startling noise, and most noise-averse pets have several triggers. When they hear the trigger noise, pets become fearful and anxious, and show signs similar to humans experiencing a panic attack. Noise aversion is a medical condition, and pets can’t control their trigger response. Veterinarians and researchers aren’t exactly sure why some dogs, but not others, develop noise aversions, but dog breed and early noise exposure may play a role. 

What are noise aversion signs in dogs?

In affected dogs, trigger noises cause immediate anxiety that can last for varying time lengths—mildly affected dogs may quickly recover, while severely affected dogs can remain anxious for hours or days. Fear originates in a brain primal area called the amygdala, and bypasses the frontal cortex where rational thought occurs, causing affected dogs to act out in abnormal ways. The fear and anxiety caused by noise aversion can debilitate pets, and will intensify, rather than improve, with each noise exposure. Treatments can improve noise aversion, but pet owners must first recognize the problem. 

Noise-averse pets can experience a range of anxiety signs that they will show in close proximity to the trigger noise, and may include:

  • Lip licking or yawning
  • Drooling
  • Panting
  • Vocalizing
  • Hiding or attention-seeking
  • Trembling
  • Hypervigilance
  • Pacing
  • Urination or defecation
  • Attempts to escape, when they may become destructive

How does noise aversion affect the human-animal bond?

Many pet owners recognize their pets are nervous around certain noises, but don’t realize that long-term fear and anxiety can be extremely damaging. Pets with severe phobias may destroy property, hurt themselves, or urinate or defecate, which can frustrate their owners. Over time, the pet becomes increasingly anxious, and the owner increasingly frustrated, leading to a relationship breakdown.

Noise aversion often goes undiagnosed, because pet owners believe the problem is normal and doesn’t need treatment, and because veterinary staff members don’t always ask. However, if your pet becomes anxious around loud noises, tell your veterinarian, so treatment can begin right away. 

How is noise aversion in pets treated?

Without treatment, noise aversion is likely to worsen as pets are repeatedly exposed to triggers. Multimodal treatment, including environmental management, behavior modification, and medications, is most effective. 

  • Environmental management — During trigger events, encourage your pet to relax in an interior or basement room insulated from outside noise. Play music, white noise, or the television, and provide comfy bedding and familiar toys or treats. 
  • Behavior modification — Some pets can learn over time to fear their triggers less. Training methods called desensitization and counter-conditioning slowly expose your pet to low noise levels, and pair them with rewards to condition a positive response, but these methods are best used under a trainer or veterinary behaviorist’s direction. 
  • Medication — Calming supplements and medications are usually necessary, and may be given daily or during noise events only. The goal of medication is to reduce your pet’s anxiety level, thereby alleviating their mental suffering and distress. Medications also increase training effectiveness, as the pet may not learn until their anxiety is relieved. 
  • Additional treatments — Pressure wraps (i.e., ThunderShirts) are helpful in some cases, as are pheromone (i.e., Adaptil) sprays or diffusers. 

How can I prepare my pet who is afraid of fireworks?

This is the worst time of year for noise-averse pets, and the fireworks often continue well past July Fourth. If your pet has not been officially diagnosed with noise aversion, discuss treatment options with your veterinarian, keeping in mind that some medications will require a trial period before the event to determine the most effective dose. Other measures you can take include:

  • Microchipping your pet — Fearful pets are most likely to get lost on this holiday, but a microchip can help ensure a safe return. 
  • Securing your pet indoors — Resist the urge to bring your pet to holiday celebrations, and keep them secured safely indoors to avoid mishaps.
  • Creating a safe space — Prepare an area with your pet’s favorite bedding and toys where they are least likely to hear outside noise. Have your pet use the area ahead of time, so they know the space is their safe place.

Noise aversion may seem normal, since so many pets are affected, but this medical condition requires treatment to avoid progression, suffering, and damage to the human-animal bond. If you think your pet may need medication for the upcoming holiday, call us to schedule a visit with your Caldwell Animal Hospital team.