The big bang theory: noise sensitivity in dogs

Authors: Landsberg G
Publication: Proceedings of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) Annual Conferences, Volume 2014 AVA Annual Conference, Perth, Issue Small Animal / Behaviour, May 2014
Publisher: Australian Veterinary Association

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Abstract: Sensitivity to noise is one of the most common concerns of dog owners with as many as 40 to 50% of dogs reported to be fearful of some sort of noise.1 More recently one United States survey of 1201 owners with 1960 dogs found that 17% of dogs were fearful of noises, with storms (86%), fireworks (74%) and vacuum cleaners 41%.2 Similarly a study out of the United Kingdom of almost 4000 dogs based on a postal survey reported 17% of dogs with noise phobias, which increased to 49% when owners were directly questioned using a structured questionnaire.3 Fireworks fears were most common at 83%, thunderstorms at 65%, gunshots 30% and cars and trucks backfiring at 28%. Risk factors vary between studies although an increase with age is consistently reported. Spontaneous resolution is uncommon with about 8% of dogs improving with age; however in about ½ of these cases improvement was associated with loss of hearing. Common signs include trembling, hiding, freezing cowering, seeking people, pacing, running, vigilance, startle, bolting, salivation, panting, vocalizing, soiling and destructive behaviour...

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