Pet Noise Anxiety Looms Large During the Summer
Any way you slice it, pet noise anxiety is a problematic, even traumatic, experience for them. While not limited to thunderstorms or firework displays, these are the most common causes of noise-related stress in pets. Animals can also be triggered by sporting events, parades, large trucks, and so much more. It’s time to face pet noise anxiety in order to protect them from harm and preserve their state of mind.
Fight or Flight
Pets are instinctively guided by a fight or flight mechanism. Always in pursuit of self-preservation, pets with noise anxiety may try to flee their current situation, even if it’s more likely to protect them. As a result, it is absolutely critical to ensure they are safely contained inside the home at the first hint of a storm or other known trigger.
The Big Picture
Microchipping your pet can prevent accidental loss or separation in the event of escape or fleeing in fright. They should always have a collar and ID tag around their neck, but these can fall off or be removed. Their microchip acts as an additional layer of protection and may be instrumental at facilitating a possible reunion with you.
Safe and Sound
If you know or suspect that your pet will have a tough time getting through an approaching storm or a scheduled fireworks show, prepare in advance as much as you can. Animals should never be allowed to stay outside before and during severe weather, and fireworks also present specific dangers to their well-being.
Provide your pet with a quiet, dimly-lit room that is insulated from the known triggers. Invite them to hang out in their very own crate. White noise, like a running fan, or soft music playing in the background can create a general sense of calm. Soft bedding, favorite toys, snacks, and plenty of water can round out your toolbox. Try to distract them with play time, snuggles, and rewards.
Fine-Tuning
A huge advantage pet owners have when dealing with pet noise anxiety is the control over their own emotional state. By staying neutral, calm, and sensitive, you can help them through the stress and anxiety they feel so acutely. The more you react to their stressed out meltdown, the worse they will likely feel about their predicament.
In the Loop
There are many products that can help pets through their negative, noise-related experiences. Pressure garments, like Thundershirts, can work really well, but your pet needs time to get used to them when they do not already feel stressed.
If pet noise anxiety goes unchecked for too long, it can develop into a full-fledged phobia. While behavior modification techniques, like desensitization, can be instrumental in combatting the effects, they require significant time, practice, and patience. Sometimes, prescription medication may be required to soothe a pet’s stress and anxiety.
Pet Noise Anxiety
With a bit of planning, observation, and foresight, you can help to reduce pet noise anxiety. If you have further questions or concerns about your pet’s behavior, please give us a call at (210) 681-1391. Our staff is always happy to help!