Depending on presentation, treatment can be straightforward or complex and challenging. Noise aversion is a condition that causes a dog to suffer anxiety during noisy events, and left untreated it can progress from mild anxiety to a more severe condition. If left alone, dogs can funnel their anxiety into destruction- including vocalizing, digging, chewing-or even running away. Failure to treat can lead to progression of signs and weaken the human-animal bond 5. Fireworks, thunder and gun shots are obvious triggers for dogs with noise aversion, but a wide variety of environmental sounds can also be disturbing to dogs-children shrieking, loud TV noises, doors slamming, loud engine noises… Noise anxiety in dogs is a phobia or strong feeling of fear around loud noises, like sounds from fireworks or thunderstorms. Dogs can develop fears and phobia to many things including other dogs, inanimate objects, people, and in some cases, loud noises. Noise and Storm Phobias and Anxiety in Dogs Anxiety and fearful behavior are common in canine patients, and often manifest as storm and noise phobias. If possible, behavior modification techniques that gradually desensitize a fearful dog to scary noises can be employed. Pet owners do not associate noise aversion behaviors as fear 3. Overreacting to noise is a sign that your dog is fearful and anxious, similar to how you might react if you saw a monster! Noise aversion is not “normal” for dogs. Noise Aversion in Dogs – A Diagnosed Medical Issue. Common symptoms of noise aversion in dogs include hiding, vocalizing, panting, shaking or trembling, vomiting, urinating or defecating on the spot. Noise aversion is prevalent but under-recognized by owners, underdiagnosed by vets 2. Your dog could be suffering in silence. You might have noticed early in this post that I said Chilly was diagnosed with noise aversion. Noise aversion in dogs. These exercises should be overseen by a veterinarian well-versed in the use of behavior medications or by a veterinary behavior specialist. The specific dog’s fear may be generalized to any sound, or it may be specific to one type or category of sound and can it be triggered by several circumstances including trauma, underexposure when young, and breed disposition. Several years ago, my dog, Chilly, began to show signs of noise aversion (also known as noise phobia or noise anxiety). That’s because it’s a real and serious medical condition that can be only diagnosed by your veterinarian. 1. It is a welfare issue for both human and dog 4. The dog is distressed by the noise and wants to get away. Noise Aversion in Dogs Jun 12, 2016 / In the News News-Gazette (June 12) – Veterinary behaviorist Dr. Kelly Ballantyne explains, “There are many steps you can take to control exposure to loud noises or reduce their intensity to help your pet feel more comfortable.” 4th of July Tips for Pets With Noise Aversion. Many dogs become very anxious about noise when their owners are out, especially when the fireworks begin. Studies show that at least one in three dogs suffer from noise aversion. In an effectiveness trial using 90 client-owned dogs that have previously displayed noise aversion behaviors, the use of Pexion as a treatment for loud noise events was tested. ... such as avoidance, whining, crying, trembling, shaking, or panting.