Is your dog scared of loud noises? How to help

Spotting sound sensitivities

Loud noises make us all jump from time to time, but a dog showing signs of fear will need your help to learn everything’s okay.

If your dog’s scared of loud noises, you might notice them doing any of the following:

• Panting
• Pacing
• Trembling
• Trying to hide
• Clinging to you for comfort
• Barking
• Becoming distracted
• Salivating
• Not responding when you speak to them

There’s also a link between sound sensitivity and pain. So, if you notice your dog is stiff, becomes less playful, or is reluctant to jump up when it was easy before, then talk to your vet. In some cases, pain relief can help to lower sensitivity to sounds.

Extreme dog reactions

Some dogs have extreme reactions to loud sounds. This will look different in different dogs. For example, they might run away, hide, and not want to come back out, or they may bark and shake in a way that’s unusual for them.

If you think your dog is having an extreme reaction to loud sounds, you’ll need to ask your vet for advice. They might be able to prescribe some medication that could help your dog.

What should you do?

Have you heard the old advice to “ignore your dog if they show fear”? Well, that won’t really help them. Your dog needs to learn that they’re safe and supported, and ignoring them doesn’t create the happy and calm state they need when they hear a scary sound.

However, we don’t recommend over-comforting a fearful dog, either. The best approach is to switch their focus to an enjoyable activity instead of drawing attention to the noise.

How to help your dog feel less scared of loud noises

The earlier you start helping them, the more of a positive impact you’ll have on your dog’s wellbeing!

We recommend trying a desensitisation programme, which involves gradually getting your dogs used to loud noises. This should be done in a supportive and caring way. You can start by downloading some realistic sounds and playing them at a low volume during a training session or a game, or even while your dog is enjoying a tasty chew.

Over the course of a few sessions, gradually turn up the volume. But remember, moving too fast with this could make your dog extra aware of the sounds instead of teaching them to ignore them – the opposite of what you want!

If an unexpected noise happens, try throwing a treat or toy for your dog. This not only helps distract them, but creates a positive association; loud noises mean they get something nice!

To find out more about working on noise phobias with your dog, check out our handy loud noises video guide below.

At-home therapies

There are many non-prescription therapies and supplements available for dogs who are mildly or moderately stressed by certain sounds or experiences. Some have research behind them, but you should check with your vet first and read any research before you buy.

You’ll find there are lots of supplements available and we’ve listed a few below:

ADAPTIL plug ins or collars emit dog pheromones which give a feeling of safety and calm.

Yu-Calm L-Theanine has natural calming properties that support the production of calming compounds and hormones responsible for happiness such as serotonin and dopamine.

Pet Remedy is available in a plug-in diffuser and a spray to apply to bedding or a collar. It works by calming the brain and encouraging the pet to relax.

Anaxitane Chewable Tablets help pets keep calm and relaxed, containing a synthetic form of an amino acid usually found in green tea leaves.

Calmex is a blended supplement that has a calming effect.

Is your dog scared of loud noises on walks?

If you’re on a walk and your dog shows some mild signs that they’re scared of loud noises, try treat sprinkling as soon as you can. Treat sprinkling is just as it sounds; you sprinkle tasty treats on the ground for your four-legged friend to enjoy!

It’s best to do this in the grass, so your dog can use their fantastic noses to sniff out and munch on the treats. You could also use toy play in this situation if that’s what your dog prefers.

If your dog starts showing any signs of severe stress, take them home as soon as you can and start a programme to get them used to loud noises (called a desensitisation programme). We’ve outlined what this could look like above, but our team is here if you need some extra help.

Remember: If your dog is a flight risk on a walk, meaning they might suddenly run away or bolt from their owner, then it’s important to keep them on a lead for their own safety.

You can find more dog training tips on Ask Woodgreen.

Puppies and loud noises

Puppies often don’t act scared the first or second time they hear loud noises such as fireworks, but if the owner does nothing, a fear can develop. This could be because their natural instincts start to kick in as they grow up and become more independent. They need to keep themselves safe without as much support from the adults who kept them out of harm’s way as a young puppy!

For more information about puppies, take a look at our advice on helping your puppy socialise and grow.

Prepping for fireworks

The sound and sight of fireworks can be a very scary experience for dogs. Luckily, we can sometimes plan in advance to keep them feeling calm!

Here’s a summary of some things to think about before fireworks season:

1. Check your dog’s microchip and tag details are up to date. Every year we see a big spike in stray dogs that come into our centre during fireworks season. The sooner an owner of a lost dog can be contacted, the better it is for pets and their people!
2. Make sure your garden is secure if you need to let your dog out after dark during fireworks season.
3. If you feel you have to walk your dog after dark, keep them on the lead and make sure they’re wearing a securely fitting harness.
4. If you know fireworks are going to happen on certain evenings, make sure your dog has been outside before dark, so they’ve been able to go to the toilet and have a walk. If they’re outside after dark, they’re likely to try and bolt.

For more information on keeping your pets safe during fireworks season, take a look at our fireworks article.

Why is my dog scared of loud noises?

Many dogs who are scared of loud noises have simply never learnt that the sounds aren’t something they need to fear. With the exercises in this article, you can help them start to learn! Other dogs might be sensitive to certain sounds for genetic reasons. For example, it’s thought that Border Collies are significantly more likely to develop a fear of loud noises.

Noises dogs hate

The types of noises that affect your dog might differ based on a wide range of things, including background, breed, and environment. However, there are some common noises that dogs may find scarier than others.

These include:

• Thunder
• Fireworks
• Air brakes
• Garden machinery
• Balloons popping
• Hot air balloons
• Heavy vehicles
• Loud planes
• Noisy children or babies

If your dog has an established fear of loud noises, or you would like advice about any of the subjects mentioned above. Please do get in touch with our team.

Top three tips

• If your dog’s scared of loud noises, there are ways you can help! Getting them used to the sounds gradually, as explained in this article, will help them to realise loud noises aren’t that scary, after all!
• If your dog has an extreme reaction to loud noises, you should contact your vet.
• Plan for fireworks nights in advance to keep your dog feeling as calm and happy as possible.

For more dog behavioural advice, visit Ask Woodgreen for tips when getting a dog, wellness advice and more.