Pet Care Archives - Page 6 of 17

It's normal for dogs to have noise aversion. However, some dogs are phobic to loud noises which can make them really uncomfortable. A dog scared of beeping noise or any other form of sound may respond in various ways. He may start to shake or tremble, bark extensively, or hide and refuse to come out. This constant fear of noises can reduce the lifespan of a dog. Causes of Noise Anxiety There are various reasons why a dog may have developed a fear of noise. Some of the common ones are: Having been raised in a tranquil environment without any stimulation The dog may not have been used to various forms of sounds while growing up Most dogs raised in kennel have noise anxiety. Despite that kennels are generally noisy, there is no other stimulation Some dogs fear noise simply because they are used to the noise that is associated with bad things such as gunshots Training Tips The first step is to expose the dog to noise gradually. You may leave your TV on or leave a CD on a repeat play mode while you are out of the home. At first, you should keep the volume low and choose a soft noise. Increase the volume gradually over time and keep changing the noise program. Then you can start leaving your radio on a soft rock station or choose a news channel on your TV. Keep the volume low during the transition and gradually increase over time. When you are at home and see your dog is agitated by the noise, you should try to calm him/her by letting him know that everything is fine. Distract him and divert his attention away from the noise. You may also engage him in a favorite game and take him out for a walk. Note: Avoid over consoling your dog when he/she reacts to loud noise. Beware that too much sympathy can make your dog associate the noise with the reward of attention. Just distract him from the noise, and he will start to pay less attention to sounds. If your dog can manage other noises, then the beeping sound won’t be a problem at all. Handling the Trauma of Noises and Storms to your Pets How often have you noticed your wonderful calm pet turn into an over-anxious scared critter when a storm is coming . . . Or during the fourth of July? Of all the dogs I had, only two of them were just like that. Sensibility of Dogs They were both small dogs but this can happen with any size dog. In fact, I knew by looking at them that a storm was coming. There is something in the barometric pressure that the dogs can sense before it is even here. We always joked about it that they were our “stormy weather dogs”. A dog’s ears are much more sensitive to these loud sharp noises such as thunder and firecrackers. Usually, they will try to retreat, (escape) somewhere to “get away from the noise”. You can try to create a safe place from your pet’s perspective If you would take notice of where your pet goes when in fear. And encourage them to go there during these disturbing times for them. Don’t pick up your pet and/or snuggle them right in the middle of their fears. Because you are relaying to them “It is O.K. to be scared, go right ahead”. You may talk to them, try to calm them down, show them their safe place to go. Be there with them but don’t actually cuddle them until they are calm To reinforce to them that is O.K. to be calm during these abrupt noises. You can try to distract them as well with similar noises, a loud radio or TV, something distracting and comparably noisy. You can also try to substitute his fears by playing his favorite game. With you to get his mind off of what is actually happening at that time. Be sure to reward with a lot of praise and treats when playing. And he will learn he does not need to be afraid. You can try to give them Benadryl as a small sedative. Call your own personal vet for his advice on this particular subject. And how much to give your pet according to their size. It does calm them down and help them sleep. By no means create your dog by which it will only increase his fears if he feels “trapped”. And can't get away to his safe place. Don’t make him feel “naughty” by reprimanding him. Fear is part of anxiety, not part of being a bad dog. You can try a dog training class where they teach your dog by taping loud noises. Introducing them to the dog in small segments until at the loudest point the dog is no longer fearful. It can be done. Just be patient with your pet, let them feel safe at all times and I am sure you can, through these anxious periods in your pet’s life. Your pet will learn comfort from you rather than the fear of noises.

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Category: Pet Care