Seasonal sounds may scare your pet

This is the season for bottle rockets and thunderclaps. What causes many people to look up in the sky in awe could be prompting your pet to cower under the bed.

Some pets are extremely sound sensitive. These dog and cats may suffer a high level of fear and stress when exposed to loud noises such as fireworks, gunshots, thunder and vehicle backfires, according to the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. In such a state of anxiety, pets may jump through windows, scale fences, or do whatever is in their means to escape normal confinement systems, such as leashes or cages.

“It makes a lot of sense for animals to be afraid of loud, sudden noises. In the wilds, noise of this magnitude would be correlated with some real danger, like a landslide or tornado,” says Janice Willard, DVM. “We may be able to understand that a fireworks display is just entertainment, but for our pets, the fear is very real and related to basic survival instincts.”

Not all pets react the same way to loud noises. And some are bothered by one noise and not another. It pays to get in tune with what frightens your dog or cat.

“What may cause fear in a dog and how the dog responds behaviorally will vary between dogs. Noise phobias are not mutually exclusive. Some dogs may only be fearful of thunderstorms, while others may also be afraid of fireworks and other loud noises,” says Dr. Kari Wallentine, a veterinarian and graduate student in animal sciences and industry at Kansas State University.

While it is often difficult to teach an old dog - or cat - new tricks, there are steps to reduce pets’ anxiety when loud noises are stressful.

•1. Be mindful of when fireworks displays or other loud events, such as block parties or community festivals are taking place in your neighborhood. You can anticipate whether the noise will be frightening to your pet and take the necessary precautions.

•2. If your pet spends most time outdoors, move him or her inside if there are fireworks or thunderstorms. Not only does this safeguard the pet’s safety, it can help reduce the level of stress from these loud events.

•3. Make attempts to muffle the frightening sounds. Move your pet into an inside room, such as a basement or a large closet so he or she is far enough away from the noise. Keep the room dim and think about playing soft music or placing the television on to serve as white noise.

•4. Don’t encourage your pet’s behavior, but don’t punish it either. “Ignore fearful behavior the best you can, even though it may be difficult,” says Dr. Wallentine. “Don’t punish your pet or do anything that your pet might find rewarding, such as petting or talking soothingly; this may increase the fearful behavior and phobia.”

•5. There’s a difference between intermittent fear and a serious phobia. If your pet’s health is compromised by loud noises or other triggers, talk to your veterinarian.