NOISE PHOBIA

Dogs who  cower
in the corner
triggered by common problem  noises such as thunderstorms, fireworks, vacuums and construction noises, can provoke a dog's noise anxiety, or noise phobia. 

Fears of these unexpected noises signal an 
orienting response...the brain's mechanism for being aware.  When dogs hear these sounds, the brain instantly  processes and they determine whether it is a signal of danger.
Signs and symptoms of noise anxiety may include:

Hiding 
just the head,
comforts this dog from
fear

1.  Hiding
2.  Panting                                  
3.  Pacing
4.  Barking, whining, 
     howling.
5.  Urinating or 
     defecating
6.  Tucked-in tail
7.  Searching for the
     owner.
8.  Flatulence 
     (gaseousness)
9.  Withdrawness, or
      in a stupor
10.Discharging of anal glands
11.Nibbling at paws

Tucked-In Tail
            

12.Destructiveness
13.Yawning


Please observe however, the above signs can be 
misinterpreted!  These signs could be occurring to noise anxiety or attention-seeking behavior.
Differentiation between a learned attention
seeking behavior and a fearful behavior can be tricky.  An owner's treatment of reassurance, can encourage or reinforce the "wrong fear, "  therefore ineffectively managed.


The most efficient method,  is being constantly aware of your dogs' behavior. Identify the anxiety early-on,  and intervene immediately with a treatment technique.

Dog Cowering

What options do we have to help our dogs?
 a.  Medication, only if necessary,  but used
      under Veterinarian supervision. I personally
      am not keen with the use of medicated
      drugs.   Dogs will have side-effects, and 
      allergenic sensitivities and such problems
      should be avoided.
         
 b.  Don't punish,  it will only reinforce the fear.
 c.  Don't over-reassure, it will only reward and
      encourage the fear.
 d.  Have a "happy" environment, for  it  will 
      counteract the fear
 e.  Use Music...a favorite method I've used 
      beginning at early age.   I have chosen
      classical music, with less instrumentation, 
      and low tempo.  The calming music allow
      the brain waves, heart rate and breathing to
      be reasonably slower, hence the dog become
      calmer and relaxed.
 f.  Early exposure of known common noises, 
      or unexpected sounds, can help the puppy
      grow-up to not fear noises.  Early exposure
      would be when the puppy is about 3-4 
      months young.
 g. Good nutrition AND exercise.  Provide 
     mental stimulation from physical exertion
     can not only tire and relax your dog, but will
     naturally  produce Serotonin acting  in the
     capacity of a natural  sedative.  Good high
     protein foods will definitely  contribute to 
     the reduction of noise anxiety.


Other methods to reduce noise anxiety are:
1.  Desensitization
     an introduction of the anxiety-causing noise,
     performed at a gradual increase.  As the
     noise is  incrementally increased, allow your 
     dog to  maintain a calm,  throughout the 
     experience of the noise treatment.  

Invented in 2001
An anxiety wrap with maintained
pressure and acupressure to 
relieve stress, lessen fears
and anxieties.

2.  Body Wraps I have never used thi method, nor have
observed the use of it.  But, dog body wraps ar available to purchase.


The principle behind this method,  is to maintain a constant  pressure on the dog's body, hence leading to a reduction of anxiety.  I suppose ace bandage, wrapped around the dog can serve the same purpose. 

"...oooooops such a high pitch sound!..."

Sensitivity of sounds, loud or soft, is instinctive to all dogs.  However,  the dogs who become anxious are the ones who will develop noise anxiety.

Be Aware of a Dog's Body Language

REMEMBER when a scared dog approaches.
.  Turn to the side

.  Make no eye contact.

.  Don't make  forwarding movements

   (petting the dog's head)

.  Ignore the dog.

.  Keep silent, as your voice may pose a threat.

Be as non-threatening as possible, so the dog will LEARN to trust you!