Common triggers for noise aversion are fireworks, thunderstorms, gun shots, a loud, unfamiliar house guest, shrieking children, parties and celebrations, construction work, traffic and other types of street noise. It is important to recognize that these animals are suffering from severe fear and anxiety and are stressed. With a little pharmacological help pets can be more comfortable, and if combined with behavioral modification techniques, can learn to better cope with noises and live a happier life with less fear, anxiety, and stress.
Some common symptoms of noise aversion are trembling, shaking, cowering and clinging to the owner. Other obvious symptoms are darting from hiding place to hiding place, trying to escape or destroying property while other animals may pace, whine or whimper. More subtle signs of noise aversion, which may go unrecognized, are pinning the ears back, yawing and licking lips, excessive panting and hyper vigilance.
Why noise aversion develops is not completely understood. It is most likely the result of several problems from lack of socialization/desensitization to genetic predispositions. No matter what the reason for the development of noise aversion it is an issue that needs to be treated. Positive outcomes are frequently compromised by delaying any treatment until the signs of the dog’s distress are more profound or its behavioral responses become problematic to the owner. Such delays can lead to an increase in the intensity and duration of the response to the noise, to the development of noise aversion to other sounds or to the development of other anxiety disorders, further exacerbating the dog’s condition.
If you think your pet is suffering from noise aversion, no matter what the reason, talk with your veterinarian about treatment options. No animal's fear, anxiety, and stress are the same and each treatment plan will be different. It may take several different attempts at drug combinations paired with consistent desensitization and counter conditioning techniques. Owners need to be prepared to have patience and realize this is not a problem that developed over night and therefore will not be quickly solved with a simple pill. If you are concerned that your pet may be suffering from noise aversion we would love to talk with you at Leesburg Animal Hospital and hopefully help you and your pet live a more comfortable, stress free life together.