You may have noticed your four-legged friend acting particularly skittish when it comes to experiencing loud noises. Noise aversion – also known as noise phobia or anxiety – is quite common in dogs across the United States with only a small percentage of them actually being diagnosed and treated.
Noise aversion can be triggered by a variety of sources ranging from the occasional clap of thunder to the neighborhood speed racer zooming down the street. Especially with the July 4th weekend coming up, the team at Calusa Crossing Animal Hospital wants to help you better identify signs of noise aversion to better their quality-of-life.
The severity level of your pet’s noise aversion symptoms can vary on a number of factors. These include your pet’s current age, breed, at-home environment, and previous behavioral patterns. Most pet owners think that just simply consoling your dog and keeping them close is the best way to treat noise aversion symptoms. Although this can help to a certain degree, if left untreated, severe reactions can cause property damage or self-trauma.
The following symptoms could mean your pet is experiencing noise anxiety.
Noise aversion symptoms:
Scared look or ears pointed back
Whining or barking at sound
Cowering
Excessive lip licking
Panting
Refusing to eat
Pacing or inability to stand still
For more noise aversion symptoms, check out our checklist here!
Diagnosing symptoms of noise aversion early on is crucial to getting your beloved pet the relief they need to maintain their health and quality of life. If you’re unsure how to properly relieve their anxiety, contact our team for a behavioral exam!