How to Help Pets Cope With Loud Noises

Fear of loud noises is a common behavioral disorder in pets; the incidence varies within breeds and among individuals, and can be mild (trembling) or extreme (panic attacks, destructive behavior, running away) - which can result in injury or death.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• First Aid Kits
• Soothing Music
• Veterinarian

1. Be aware that controlling reactions to loud noises may require the help of a veterinarian or trainer using medication or behavioral modification.

2. Desensitize or countercondition your pet through repeated exposure to sounds. Start with a greatly reduced volume, and gradually intensify the sounds over time. This may result in controlling the problem.

3. Invest in nature recordings with sounds of thunder or pounding rain to help your pet get used to these sounds.

4. Keep your pet company if there is potential for exposure to loud noises.

5. Bring your pet inside if loud noises are likely. Do not leave a pet in a run or cage or tied with a rope, chain or cable.

6. When loud noises occur, confine the pet in familiar surroundings that are insulated from sound, are dimly lit and present no opportunity for escape. A basement or a room without windows is ideal.

7. Play soft music or videos, or leave the television on during a loud storm or noisy event. This may calm or distract your pet.

8. Find a suitable boarding facility at especially high-risk times, such as Independence Day.

9. Avoid punishing a pet to suppress a fearful response to loud noises.

Tips & Warnings

• Pets can sense your anxiety, so stay calm. Try not to overreact; your reaction could cause the condition to worsen.
• Tranquilization may be required. Use only drugs developed especially for animals ' not people ' as prescribed by a veterinarian.

[2laughcarol]

on 4/16/2009 Good Tips. I have a Pit Bull. But she is such a sissy when a thunderstorm comes around. Also trash trucks,if the electric goes out.

on 3/6/2006 We have an indoor St. Bernard who is deathly afraid of thunder. We cover her back with a blanket, and sit on the floor with her talking to her gently and reassuring her that it is okay. That is the only thing that calms her panic attacks. It has taken 3 years, but she handles it much better now.

on 11/22/2005 Along with desensitization, do not comfort or try to soothe your dog when it is frightened by loud noises. This only re-enforces and rewards the behavior. Ignore the pet while you exhibit calm behavior to him, your pet will hopefully pick up on this. You are the leader.

on 11/22/2005 The park across the street from our home is where the fireworks are set off. It's quite loud and our dog is very nervous. We had a friend bring his dog over and we let them wrestle and play inside our home during the show. We turned the TV on fairly loud, so the booms of the fireworks wouldn't be so noticeable. Our dog was completely distracted until the grand finale, which only lasted a couple of minutes. She was much happier and so were we.