My Pet World: Managing a noise-sensitive dog requires the right combination of things that create calm
Dear Cathy,
I have a beautiful three-year-old white Havanese named Penny. This past July 4th, she became spooked by fireworks and has been an extremely frightened dog ever since. At the slightest noise, she scurries under the bed and remains there for several hours. It can be as simple as my son dropping the soap in the shower or a loud noise from the TV.
I am uncertain how to approach this behavior. We all love Penny, dearly, however, this is no life for her, and we want our precious dog back. How can I treat her and return her behavior to six months ago?
— Fran, Oyster Bay, New York
Dear Fran,
Penny is exhibiting behaviors consistent with being a noise-sensitive dog. Some dogs are noise-sensitive from birth; others have traumatic experiences that set the stage for this anxiety and behavior change. There are many things that can frighten dogs, but fireworks are probably the number one thing causing them stress.
There are things you can do to help Penny overcome this behavior. These suggestions are not foolproof and can take time to accomplish. It also may take a combination of things and not just one thing to work. So don’t just try one of the following suggestions on its own. Combine things until you find the right combination that reduces her fear and anxiety.
I recommend getting her a pheromone collar to reduce some of her anxiety and jumpiness when it comes to general noises around the house. Start her on over-the-counter calming chews available online or at a pet store. Get her an Anxiety Wrap® or Thundershirt® to wear as much as possible as the snugness of these products may make her feel safer and less likely to startle.
After laying this groundwork to create a more calming environment, spend time counter-conditioning her by exposing her to a low-level noise that you know she won’t react to and rewarding her for remaining calming. Continue increasing the volume of the sound, slowly, over time, and rewarding her for each baby step she takes towards remaining calm when she hears certain noises. This will take time, so be patient with her as you teach her there is nothing to be afraid of.
Dear Cathy,
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