A sudden clap of thunder shakes the air, a loud noise from a jackhammer, or a distant explosion disrupts the tranquility. While these sounds may be part of everyday life or a temporary annoyance for us, for many animals they are a source of panic. Fear of loud noises – which includes sounds like thunder, gunshots, roadworks, or fireworks – is a common problem that can compromise the physical and emotional well-being of our pets.
Just think of the heavy tolls that affect the health of all animal species in the aftermath of New Year's celebrations. The practice of the famous "firecrackers", still so widespread, generates panic reactions, which can also lead to death not only in our pets but also in wild fauna.
An important international scientific study has analyzed this condition, involving 1.225 dogs of different breeds and from 22 countries, including Italy, the United States, Germany and Australia. The questionnaire used has been studied in depth with advanced techniques such as ANOVA (ANalysis Of VAriance), highlighting the factors that contribute to this fear and the most effective strategies to manage it.
THE SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM: NUMBERS AND IMPACTS
The results of the study speak for themselves: 52% of the dogs examined showed signs of fear to loud noises, and 17% reached the maximum level of measurable distress (Welfare Impaired). Although many dogs recover quickly, 12% continue to show fear for weeks or months, underscoring the importance of targeted interventions.
Fear of loud noises is not just a temporary discomfort; it can have long-lasting effects on the psychological well-being and quality of life of the dog, with consequences also on the relationship between the animal and the owner.
What is important to understand is that the fear of noises in dogs is not a coincidence. Behind this behavior are a series of factors that influence the emotional and physical response of our four-legged friends. The study examined these causes in detail, allowing us to understand their complexity.
STERILIZATION: A MYTH DEBUNKED
A common belief is that sterilizing dogs can increase their fear of noises. However, the data from the study shows that this correlation is not significant. Although sterilization may be one of the many factors that alter the behavior of the dog towards loud noises, but it has never been identified as a determining cause of fear, as was believed before this scientific study.
BREEDS AND ORIGINS: DIFFERENCES IN THE GROUPS
The differences between purebred and mixed breed dogs in their predisposition to fear of noises are influenced by various factors. Mixed breeds, often being adopted as adults after stressful or traumatic experiences, could develop a greater vulnerability to fear. This could be due to an unstable life history or experiences that have affected their emotional well-being.
On the other hand, purebred dogs, which come from selected breeding and are often adopted or purchased as puppies, tend to be more emotionally stable. Proper selection of breeders for balanced temperaments, along with early training and a stable environment, contribute to greater resilience to stressful stimuli such as loud noises.
However, even among purebred dogs there are significant differences. Breeds such as sheepdogs, which have been selected for greater sensitivity, show a greater predisposition to fear of noises than breeds such as Labradors and molossers, which tend to be more resistant to such stimuli.
AGE AND ONSET OF FEAR
Research has shown that fear of noises tends to manifest itself early in a dog's life. 45% of fearful dogs showed the first signs of fear already within the first year of life, while most of the remaining cases developed by three years of age, the upper age limit for reaching social maturity. This suggests that early education can play a crucial role in preventing the problem.
HEALTH PROBLEMS AND ADVANCED AGE
The age and general health of your dog play a major role in their response to loud noises. As your dog ages, one of the changes that may occur is a decrease or loss of hearing, which may dull their response to loud sounds. In these cases, the fear of loud sounds may decrease or even disappear, as the animal no longer perceives sounds as acutely as before.
However, other diseases, such as arthritis or various chronic conditions, can have the opposite effect, as they do not affect hearing, but can increase the dog's overall stress level, making him more susceptible to fear and anxiety. Physical pain and difficulty moving, combined with an environment that includes loud noises, can accentuate his sensitivity and fear, worsening the animal's psychological well-being.
HOW TO HELP YOUR DOG: STRATEGIES AND SOLUTIONS
The good news is that there are many strategies that owners can employ to help their dogs manage their fear of noises:
Early Training. This is one of the key elements to prevent and reduce the fear of noises. The study has shown that dogs who receive training aimed at facing loud noises from an early age are less likely to develop phobias related to noises.
Counterconditioning. Associating scary noises with rewards, such as tasty treats or favorite toys, helps turn a negative experience into a positive one.
Relaxation training. Teaching your dog to relax on command can be very helpful in dealing with stressful situations.
Reduction in exposure. During loud events, such as fireworks, creating a safe, quiet environment in the home can reduce your dog's discomfort.
Use of homeopathic medicines and/or targeted supplements capable of facilitating and increasing the effectiveness of the previous strategies, always under the strict control of a veterinarian expert in integrative medicine.
THE IMPACT OF PROPER CARE
Addressing your dog’s fear of loud noises doesn’t just relieve the immediate discomfort, it’s a lasting investment in their emotional and physical well-being. Thanks to scientific research, we now have a deeper understanding of the causes and possible solutions to this problem, which allows us to significantly improve the quality of life of our pets.
A key part of this management is early education, which should begin in the first few weeks of
puppy life. This, along with targeted training strategies and the creation of a safe and secure environment, helps reduce sensitivity to loud and sudden sounds. A dog that grows up in a calm and well-structured environment will be less likely to develop future fears.
In addition, the next newsletter will explore how integrative medicine, including the use of complementary feeds, human nutritional supplementation, and homotoxicological medicine, can offer additional support in the treatment of the fear of loud noises. With patience, appropriate techniques, and the broadest possible clinical management, we can transform fear into an opportunity to strengthen our bond with our dogs, helping them to live in a more serene and balanced way.
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