When a pet develops an exaggerated, excessive fear response to loud, startling sounds, they can suffer greatly from these noise phobias (i.e., aversions). Any sound can trigger noise aversion in cats and dogs, and this condition is more common than you may believe. In fact, roughly two-thirds of pets experience noise aversion, although the condition often goes undiagnosed, because owners fail to tell their veterinarian about the anxiety their four-legged friends display in reaction to loud sounds. Read our Central Kentucky Veterinary Center team’s description of this common anxiety-provoking condition in pets and how to manage your furry pal’s noise aversion.

How noise aversion develops in pets

Noise aversion can develop in any pet of any age. However, a pet may be predisposed to noise aversion because of these factors:

  • Breed — Some breeds seem to be more sensitive to sounds, whereas others take little notice. In general, herding dogs (e.g., border collies, Australian shepherd dogs) are more likely to suffer from noise aversion than hunting breeds (e.g., German shorthaired pointers, English setters). 
  • Genetics — Some pets are more anxious than others, having generalized or separation anxiety, or a noise phobia. These pets can pass on their anxiety to their offspring, especially if they have negative experiences while pregnant. 
  • Socialization — During your pet’s early socialization period in the first few months of their life, you must help them make positive associations to a range of everyday sounds, sights, people, and animals. Inadequate or negative exposure to loud or startling sounds during the socialization period can set up your pet to develop noise aversion.
  • Negative experience — Pets who have had negative experiences that correlate to certain sounds can develop more widespread noise aversions. For example, if your sleeping pet had their tail stepped on by a shrieking child running past, they may be much more anxious around children in the future.

Any sound can turn into a pet’s noise phobia trigger, no matter how innocuous the noise may seem. For example, your pet may become startled every time your furnace kicks on, leaping up from their bed and running to hide. Common sound triggers include:

  • Thunderstorms
  • Fireworks
  • Gunshots
  • Heavy traffic
  • Construction
  • Alarms
  • Vacuum cleaners
  • Garbage disposals
  • Loud TVs or radios
  • Yelling children

Noise aversion signs in pets

You may not realize your pet has a noise aversion, because their signs can be subtle and go undetected. However, the phobia will often progress over time without intervention, so be on the lookout for these noise aversion signs:

  • Pacing
  • Restlessness
  • Cowering
  • Clinging
  • Hiding
  • Heavy panting
  • Excessive drooling
  • Whining, howling, or whimpering
  • Excessive barking or meowing
  • Urinating or defecating in inappropriate spots
  • Chewing, scratching, or digging
  • Attempting to escape

How to manage your pet’s noise aversion at home

Although noise aversion can be incredibly detrimental to your pet’s mental and physical wellbeing, you can implement several strategies to help them cope with their fear. Try these noise-aversion management strategies:

  • Minimize exposure — If possible, protect your pet from loud sounds by minimizing their exposure. For example, walk a different path to avoid a construction site or traffic pileup, stay away from parades and fireworks shows, and confine your pet to the other side of the house while you vacuum.
  • Remain calm — When your pet is anxious, remain calm and relaxed. Rather than rapidly repeating, “It’s OK, it’s OK, it’s OK,” in a high-pitched tone when your furry pal is clinging to your side, speak slowly and soothingly while you massage their favorite spots such as their chin or behind their ears. Staccato sounds and  unsteady, quick stroking can heighten your pet’s fear as they pick up on your stress.
  • Head for cover — When thunder is rolling overhead or fireworks are booming, your pet wants to head for cover to feel safe and secure. Give your pet a quiet place in which to hunker down by creating a sanctuary in the most soundproof room of your home. Give your pet their favorite treat, turn on white noise or classical music, and provide a cozy spot in which they can curl up to ride out a thunderstorm, fireworks show, or other loud event.
  • Use calming products — Various calming products, such as chewable supplements and pheromone sprays and diffusers can help ease your pet’s fear, especially when you pair these products with other noise-aversion management techniques. 

How your veterinarian can help manage your pet’s noise aversion

Many pets are so fearful of loud sounds, particularly thunderstorms and fireworks, that they require a pharmaceutical to remain calm. At a minimum, anti-anxiety drugs can reduce your pet’s fear, making it easier to implement other calming techniques, resulting in more effective noise-aversion management. For pets who are terrified of many sounds or who experience such terror at one noise in particular that they injure themselves, you should ask your veterinarian for a referral to a behaviorist.

Noise aversion can take a serious toll on your pet’s quality of life, impacting everything from the paths you walk, to sitting on your lap during an action movie. If your furry pal shivers in fright at loud noises, schedule an appointment with our Central Kentucky Veterinary Center team.