Sounds Dogs Hate: Understanding Noise Phobia & How to Manage It

The fear of sudden loud noises is an important trait developed from evolution that has allowed continued survival for dogs, humans, and other animals alike. By allowing our instincts to kick in, reacting to undesirable noises helps trigger the fight-or-flight response. Despite this, there are a handful of sounds dogs hate, which can develop into serious phobias later on in their lives.

 

 

Common Sounds Dogs Hate

Dogs have highly sensitive hearing, and certain sounds can trigger discomfort, fear, or even anxiety in them. As a dog owner, it's important to understand the sounds that dogs hate to help keep your pet calm and comfortable:

 

• Thunderstorms: The sound of thunder is one of the most common fear-inducing sounds for dogs. However, it's not just the volume of the thunder itself that causes fear in dogs. Several factors contribute to their anxiety during storms, most of which include changes in barometric pressure, the smell of rain, the appearance of storm clouds.
• Fireworks: The explosion of fireworks is another very common sound dogs hate. Thankfully, these are only set off a couple of times a year. Watch your dog carefully during fireworks around Independence Day and New Year's so that you can calm them down.
• Vacuum Cleaners: Why do dogs hate vacuums? Well, your dog doesn't know that carpets need to be vacuumed and most likely assumes it to be a noisy, evil robot of some sort encroaching on their territory. This reaction is common, as the unfamiliar noise and vibrations from the vacuum trigger fear, especially in dogs that are more sensitive to loud sounds.
• Construction Noises: Tractors beeping as they move in reverse, jackhammers breaking up concrete, and hammers banging away can often make construction zones especially stress-inducing and frightening for dogs with noise phobias. Dogs in these situations may try to flee, bark excessively, or show signs of distress, making construction areas a source of significant discomfort for them.
• Air Conditioners or Furnaces: The sound of a furnace or air conditioner turning on can send certain dogs running. Since these sounds come out of nowhere and are loud, they can easily trigger a startled reaction, especially in dogs already prone to noise phobias.

 

 

How to Calm a Dog with Noise Phobias

The most important thing for dog parents is recognizing your pup's aversions to loud noises early on and addressing them promptly. Here are some great ways to calm your dog when they are scared:

 

• Creating a Sense of Safety: You can teach dogs to recognize a specific place in the home as a "safe space" to retreat when they are scared. Pet parents might also consider using sights and sounds—such as white noise, relaxing music, light-blocking shades—to block out as much sensory input from loud noises as possible.
• Calming Sounds for Dogs: Certain noises have a calming effect on dogs and may help soothe or calm them when the noises around them are too loud or frightening. Sounds like classical music, white noise, and low, soothing voices can help ease stress and anxiety by masking more alarming noises, providing a comforting background in noise-sensitive dogs.

 

Are a Dog's Ears More Sensitive Than Human Ears?

Dogs have much more sensitive hearing than humans do, which may be partially to blame for the common fear of loud noises. Sounds that are loud to us are generally experienced at a much higher volume by our canine companions. They are also capable of hearing sounds at much pitches and higher frequencies than humans, which is why there are devices designed to emit noises dogs hate.

 

Typically humans can only hear frequencies up to 20,000 Hz. On the other side of that coin, dogs can hear frequencies up to 45,000 Hz. Their high-frequency hearing means that our furry canine friends are far more sensitive to sounds and noises too high in pitch for the human ear to detect.

 

When it comes to noise phobias, certain breeds of dogs are significantly overrepresented, strongly implying an inherited factor to this condition. Many experts believe that Border Collies, German Shepherds, and Australian Shepherds are more genetically prone to inheriting noise phobias than other dog breeds.

 

What Causes Noise Phobias in Dogs? 

Noise phobias in dogs are generally pretty common. One recent study showed that an estimated 39% of dogs show symptoms of noise phobia. This fear of noises is also commonly seen paired with other behavioral disorders such as stress or separation anxiety disorder. The list of things that can potentially cause a noise phobia in your sweet pup is virtually endless, which is why you should also avoid producing sounds to scare dogs when trying to discipline them.

Because of their amazing sense of hearing, dogs can generally develop a fear of any sound, no matter how insignificant. Even small, odd noises like a squeaky door being opened or a fan being turned on can freak your dog out.

 

Can I Give My Dog CBD?

Yes! Here at Holistapet, we carry delicious Calming Soft Chew treats for your dog to help them relax a little bit more. All of our products are 100% vegan, organic, and non-GMO, which can work wonders for your fearful pup. Try CBD to keep both you and your sweet pup healthy and internally balanced! Cannabidiol (CBD) interacts with your dog's endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body that all mammals have. CBD supports the ECS, which helps regulate functions like:

 

• Mood
• Appetite
• Digestion
• Sleep
• Memory

 

 

Final Thoughts - Sounds Dogs Hate

We all want our precious pups to be as happy as possible and hate seeing our little pals run around in fear trying to escape from a noise that we know isn't coming to get them. With calming playlists, the right training, and perhaps a CBD treat or two, you'll be able to protect your four-legged friend from the sounds dogs hate. And who knows, your pup might even realize that they're actually very into Mozart during the next thunderstorm!