When does a fear of noise become phobic for a dog?
Do Fourth of July fireworks and thunderstorms trigger anxiety?
Many owners can attest to their dogs' anxiety when they hear certain noises. Some owners even report blenders and coffee bean grinders as triggers. The fear can become so severe that it affects a dog's quality of life.
For example, dogs with a thunderstorm phobia are often destructive to their surroundings and possibly themselves. Behavior modifications can help, but it takes considerable time.
If Fourth of July fireworks and spring thunderstorms are a problem, start working with your dog now. Dr. Pamela Perry, a resident in animal behavior at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, says that phobias in dogs are among the most common problems seen in veterinary referral practices.
Perry says a dog can have both physiological and behavioral responses to fear. The common signs include panting, pacing, whining, drooling, escaping or hiding, vocalization or destruction. Dogs will also express their fear in body language - holding back the ears and the tail down, licking their lips and yawning.
In general, dogs hear in a much greater range of frequency than we do, so the same fireworks we hear sound louder and higher pitched to them.
Phobia is more persistent and excessive than fear. If the fearful situation persists, over time the dog's responses may cross a threshold and become phobic. A phobia interferes with normal functioning. The first step in dealing with it is to see a veterinarian to rule out any medical causes. Phobias typically don't have a sudden onset but progress in degrees.
Phobias are often resistant to desensitization. However, physical aids, such as dog-appeasing pheromones like thunder shirts, which provide gentle pressure, and thundercaps, see-through fabric that filters the dog's vision, may be calming.
Punishment is never appropriate because it may exacerbate the fear. It's important for the owner to stay calm, happy, and relaxed. Dogs excel at reading our body language, so if we panic at their responses, that feeds into their fear, making it harder for them to calm down.
If your dog wants to hide during loud noises, give him a place that's quiet, dark and as soundproof at possible. Some dogs require anti-anxiety medication, especially if avoiding the fear-inducing noise is not possible, such as thunderstorms. The medications can help reduce fear and anxiety and enhance learning.
Upcoming:
Join Buddy at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 23, at The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, for Blessing of the Animals. The Rev. Robert Heinz of St. Norbert's Church will be officiating this multidenominational event. Please have your pets leashed and/or in appropriate housing, and make sure your pet is current on his shots.
Refreshments will be served for both two- and four-legged guests. Buddy representatives will be present to answer questions. Bring your own chairs.
For information, call (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.
• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is a nonprofit (501c3), all volunteer, no-kill animal shelter dedicated to the welfare of stray, abused and abandoned cats and dogs. For information, call The Buddy Foundation at (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.