Have you ever seen your dog or cat become fidgety, anxious, and hyperactive when there are fireworks or a thunderstorm? Your dog or cat may start breathing heavily, bark or meow consistently with wide eyes. If so, your pet may have a loud noise phobia. Pets with a loud noise phobia may either try hurting themselves or cause damage to nearby property and environment when in distress. This may also be a reason why your pet may often run away from home. It is better for you to recognize these symptoms early on for an intervention.

Noise phobia tends to get worse over time. It may start off as just a fear of extreme noises. Your pet may then be startled by any sudden noise if the condition is not taken care of at an early stage. This is because your dog or cat has extremely sensitive hearing. They can hear much higher frequencies than humans. Just imagine, if a firework sounds loud to us then what does it sound like to our pets? No wonder they get scared and develop a fear of it. Noise phobia may also be caused if your pet has separation anxiety or isn’t that social.

How We Make It Worse

Oftentimes, when we see our pets anxious or worried, we try to comfort them by petting or hugging them. However, this only ends up increasing their anxiety in such a stage. Pets cannot tell the difference between your concern for them and you being scared for yourself. They may interpret the action wrongly.

What you can do is try playing a game with them, being relaxed, make sure your body language is playful and active. Your pets are intuitive and they often react according to the way we react around them.

Medication

If your pet has loud noise phobia or any kind of anxiety, make an appointment with Black River Veterinary Hospital to see if there are any appropriate medications that could help your pet. Such medications may help your pets sleep for long periods until the storm passes or the fireworks are over.

Be patient as in such situations your pet may not respond to the behavior tricks you’ve taught them.

A White Noise Room/ Safe Den

Pets may like to retreat to dark and cozy places to hide when feeling scared from a loud noise. You can assist them by creating a den for them in a soundproof room. Provide them with soft chew toys, snacks, and water, a comfy pillow, mat, or bed. You can even play some soft and comforting music to keep your pet distracted. If music doesn’t sit well with your pet turn on a loud fan or the television. Make sure your pet is in a room where humans are nearby. Make sure the soundproof room you’ve chosen has no windows. If it does, cover it up with a cloth or foam.
To learn more about how to keep your pets calm when there are loud noises nearby, contact Black River Veterinary Hospital today!

Testimonials

Vet Michelle Hewitt is amazing. You can tell she really cares about your dog and she’s always very thorough, but doesn’t try to force tests and... read more

Daniel M.

Our pet Mel has been attended by Black River Veterinary Hospital since we moved to the USA from Brazil. Dr Suzanne and the entire staff are... read more

Enrico T.

Black River Veterinary Hospital is hands down the best in the state... read more

Frank B.

love Dr tact and all the staff at black river!! they care about... read more

Kiggy D.

Dr. Elliott is amazing! Awesome... read more

Rhonda B.

Daniel M.

Vet Michelle Hewitt is amazing. You can tell she really cares about your dog and she’s always very thorough, but doesn’t try to force tests and extras like some vet offices. She’s awesome but I shouldn’t be up selling her because she’s already busy enough. This just makes it harder to get an appointment lol.

Enrico T.

Our pet Mel has been attended by Black River Veterinary Hospital since we moved to the USA from Brazil. Dr Suzanne and the entire staff are outstanding. The take care with our pet, all guidance and explanation after any appointment and follow up all times exceeds our expectations. We fully trust on the team and they show up as a clear pet centricity mindset to support the owners. Very well done team, we are blessed to have you all at Chester!!!

Frank B.

Black River Veterinary Hospital is hands down the best in the state .

Kiggy D.

love Dr tact and all the staff at black river!! they care about everyone!

Rhonda B.

Dr. Elliott is amazing! Awesome staff!

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