My Dog ​​is Afraid Of Loud Noises

Fireworks are a common custom in December celebrations, as well as on a number of occasions throughout the year. Many dogs are afraid of the sound of firecrackers, and every time they try to hide and find refuge in the house. In the saddest cases, they can lose their bearings and run away from home, unable to return. In today’s article we will address some issues in this regard that are good to know.

Fear of loud noises: acoustic phobia

Anyone who has an animal at home knows for sure that there are some sounds that scare them. Whether it’s thunder, the sound of the storm, fireworks, firecrackers … anything that generates a noise can generate a change in the behavior of the animal.

You may have wondered why they seek refuge under the bed, hide in the bathroom or jump on their master. Well, it must be borne in mind that in nature, a loud sound has always been a sign of danger. In this sense, the body is naturally predisposed to escape and protect itself. Despite living in the city and being domesticated, dogs have not lost their natural instinct to protect themselves in the face of loud noises.

The fear of noises (including firecrackers) is gradually acquired and is due to various factors. No wonder your pet is scared of noise – even we humans get scared sometimes. The problem, in these cases, is how we bosses react in such situations.

The two factors that can trigger acousticophobia are: genetics (some breeds are more shy, impressionable or sensitive than others) and poor training (if in front of a loud noise the owners make their dog perceive the presence of a problem, the animal will believe, every time it hears one, that it is in danger).

In addition to looking for a refuge or a hiding place inside the house, the risk is that the dog, frightened by the firecrackers, assumes destructive attitudes or, even worse, runs away. In the first case it could destroy everything in front of it, in the second it could lose its orientation and get lost.

How to keep your dog from being afraid of loud noises

Although dogs with acousticophobia are on average 3 out of 10, many of them perceive the arrival of loud noises and are terrified of it. We owners can help them overcome this condition in the best possible way. Here are some tips that can help you:

Create an area where the dog feels safe

This area will serve the dog to hide when very loud noises are heard. The shelter should be small and as dark as possible. A good idea is to use a pet carrier or a cardboard box. Some owners lock the animal in the bathroom with the light off.

It is important that the animal is able to move freely within its safe area. Make sure you leave the door ajar so that the stress is less. Inside the enclosure, place your dog’s blanket or bed so that he feels comfortable and recognizes that object as his own. If the shelter is removable, place it in a quiet place in the house, i.e. as far away as possible from the road or from the outside. The best option is a room in the back of the house.

Keep calm

It is essential that the dog perceives a sense of tranquility in his owner. Otherwise, he will think he is in a dangerous situation and will get nervous as well as frightened. Do not scold it and do not scream if you see it hiding: remember that the animal is behaving instinctively, seeking refuge.

Do not change your attitude and do not start frantically walking around the house, try not to shout and do nothing different that can alert your dog. The trick is to act like you don’t hear any thunder or noise.

Play with the dog

A good way to divert his attention on stormy nights or at parties is to spend time with him so that he can distract himself from the noise. For example, throw him a ball or stick, give him a toy that plays, hide an object he loves, etc. In this way he will relate the noise with the games and will no longer be afraid.