Dog Afraid of Loud Noises? Causes, Signs and Products To Help

If your dog is afraid of loud noises, they are not alone. Dogs commonly react to sounds such as fireworks, thunderstorms, sirens, gunshots, vacuum cleaners, and construction equipment with fear, anxiety, or even panic. Because dogs hear frequencies humans cannot, certain noises may feel overwhelming or frightening.

A dog who is fearful of loud sounds may pant, pace, tremble, hide, bark excessively, cling to family members, or try to escape. Some dogs develop a true noise phobia, while others experience occasional fear in response to specific sounds.

I’ve lived with both ends of the spectrum. My second Cocker Spaniel, Dexter, was terrified of thunderstorms and fireworks, while my current Cocker Spaniel, Alvin, couldn’t care less about either one. Like people, every dog responds differently to loud noises.

In this article, I’ll explain why dogs become afraid of loud sounds, how to recognize the signs of noise anxiety, and products that may help your dog feel more comfortable during stressful situations.

Always talk to your dog’s veterinarian, but understand that many traditional veterinarians do not have experience with holistic or non-traditional supplements. I work in tandem with my dog’s vet for traditional prescriptions and I talk to trusted holistic vets when it comes to natural calming products.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Why Is My Dog Afraid Of Loud Noises?

Dogs can be afraid of loud noises for many reasons, including genetics, past traumatic experiences, lack of early exposure to sounds, anxiety disorders, age-related changes, or underlying medical conditions. Common triggers include fireworks, thunderstorms, sirens, gunshots, construction equipment, vacuum cleaners, and smoke alarms. Because dogs hear frequencies humans cannot, sudden or unfamiliar sounds may be overwhelming and frightening.

I’ve seen this firsthand with my own dogs. My second Cocker Spaniel, Dexter, would heavily pant, shake, cower in fear, and paw at me whenever thunderstorms or fireworks rolled in. In contrast, my third Cocker Spaniel, Sir Alvin, couldn’t care less about loud noises and has slept through fireworks displays without batting an eye. Like people, every dog responds differently to sounds, and what terrifies one dog may not bother another.

Although fireworks and thunderstorms are among the most common noise triggers, some dogs become fearful of sounds that seem harmless to us. A dog may react to sirens, smoke alarms, vacuum cleaners, loud music, construction equipment, or even a car backfiring. Sometimes the fear develops after a negative experience, while other dogs seem naturally sensitive to certain sounds.

Common Reasons Dogs Are Afraid of Loud Noises

Some of the most common reasons dogs develop a fear of loud sounds include:

• A traumatic experience associated with a sound: A dog who was frightened during a thunderstorm, fireworks display, or other stressful event may develop a lasting fear of similar sounds.
• Genetics and temperament: Some dogs appear naturally more sensitive to sounds and environmental changes than others.
• Lack of early exposure: Puppies who are not exposed to a variety of sounds during their socialization period may be more likely to develop fears later in life.
• Underlying anxiety: Dogs with generalized anxiety may be more reactive to noises and unexpected events.
• Age-related changes: Senior dogs experiencing cognitive decline or changes in their senses may become more sensitive to sounds they previously ignored.
• Pain or medical issues: A dog experiencing discomfort may be more reactive to loud noises or startling sounds.
• Being startled by a sudden noise: Dogs who are sleeping or resting may react strongly when an unexpected loud sound catches them off guard.
• Unknown causes: Sometimes there is no obvious explanation. Some dogs simply seem more prone to noise sensitivity than others.

Fear vs. Anxiety vs. Noise Phobia in Dogs

Fear, anxiety, and phobia are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing.

Fear

Fear is a normal response to a real or perceived threat. It can actually help keep a dog safe in dangerous situations.

Anxiety

Anxiety occurs when a dog remains worried or distressed even when the trigger is not present. Separation anxiety is a common example, where a dog becomes upset when left alone.

Noise Phobia

Noise phobia is an extreme reaction to specific sounds, such as thunder, fireworks, gunshots, sirens, or construction equipment. Dogs with noise phobias often panic and may attempt to escape, destroy property, or injure themselves in an effort to get away from the sound.

Can Behavior Modification Or Coddling My Dog Help?

Yes, there is a time and a place for trying to retrain your dog not to panic or freak out by a sound trigger. Classic examples include lightly playing thunderstorm sounds in the background while your dog is in the same room. By increasing the intensity each day, the idea is the dog will become accustomed to the sound and stop freaking it. This isn’t the case for my dog.

“There are presumably two components to the fear, he says: what the dog sees and what the dog hears,” according to Tufts Animal Behavior Clinic Director Nicholas Dodman, BVMS, DACVB. “What the dog sees is easy to tend to. Don’t take her to any fireworks celebrations. That way, if she might get thrown by huge starbursts appearing in the sky, she won’t have to contend with them.”

Dr. Dodman recommends pet parents play a recording of sounds that typically frighten the dog. He says by playing it louder and louder over a period of days to weeks while doing something the dog enjoys, she will learn the loud sound means good things.

For example, if your dog is frightened by fireworks, play the firework sounds on low volume and play your dog’s favorite game or activity with her. If your dog is older or immobile, do something she loves or feed her a favorite treat during the sounds. The goal is to condition your dog that something good is happening in conjunction with the loud noise.

Most experts say coddling or cuddling a dog when she shakes or cowers from loud sounds will reinforce the fearful behavior. See how your dog reacts. My dog actually gets a bit calmer when I pet him during the early phase of his distress from thunderstorms or fireworks.

Products For Dogs Afraid Of Loud Noises

Calming products, like dogs, are different and each has its own pros and cons. I always look for veterinary formulated products or those that are third-party tested.

The type of noise phobia a dog has can help you choose the right calming product. If your dog only gets scared when she hears sirens, you know what to eliminate or work on. If your dog gets scared of the sound of car keys jingling, perhaps you work on acclimating her to the car while giving her something natural to calm her nerves.

Determine what method your dog will best adapt to. Some calming products for noise-phobic dogs are added to their food. Other products are in the form of a chewy treat, an oil with dropper, or a pill.

The following list is presented from experience, calming products we have used with success, veterinary recommendations, and an abundant supply of positive reviews from various sources. While we make no guarantees that these products will work for your dog, we only share products we use and with which we have direct experience.

Best Products For a Dog Fearful Of Loud Sounds

Thundershirt Sport Dog Anxiety Jacket

The easiest product by far on this list because the dog wears it is an anxiety wrap. Anxiety wraps must be tried when the dog is calm she knows they are safe. My dog acclimated to his wrap like a champ because he is accustomed to wearing doggy clothes.

If you put the Thundershirt on a dog when the noise is happening, she will associate the wrap with the sound. You need to get your dog used to wearing the Thundershirt in calm times. It is not designed to keep on all the time.

The Thundershirt is designed to give your dog a “hug” and calm her sympathetic nervous system. It is like a pressure wrap targeting specific trigger points on a dog in the same way swaddling a baby gives them comfort.

We had mixed success with the Thundershirt, but found it worked better for thunderstorms when I paired it with a canine pheromone spray, which I discuss below.

If you invest in a Thundershirt or any anxiety wrap, it’s important to properly measure your dog and purchase the correct size. You never want it to be too big (it won’t work) or too tight (it can harm the dog).

Pet Releaf Stress Releaf CBD Oil for Dogs

Pet Releaf is my favorite CBD oil for dogs because it makes it easier for your dog’s body to calm down and promotes relaxation. It contains no THC or anything that can make your dog “high.”

It is best to use CBD Oil from Pet Releaf on your dog at least two weeks in advance of a stressful situation so the product can build up in your dog’s system.

Dr. Judy Morgan is a renowned holistic veterinarian and something she shared about CBD for dogs has remained with me. Dr. Morgan says, “If you don’t see an effect for your particular pet, you either need to change the brand or you need to change the dosing. And we don’t have good studies on what the dose should be. The good news is it’s a safe product overall.

Pet parents can feel good giving their dogs Pet Releaf products because they are human-grade, and grown and harvested at the largest Certified USDA organic hemp farm in the United States. The hemp farm is in Colorado. They contain no herbicides or pesticides.

You can then titrate (increase) the dosage as needed and use Pet Releaf CBD treats as well. The CBD oil and treats travel well and are easy to dispense. Always check with your veterinarian first.

Here’s how to choose the right CBD and dosage for your dogs.

Adaptil Calming Dog Spray

When my dog first started seeing his veterinarian, I was pleasantly surprised to see her gift him with a surprise upon arrival. The vet nurse placed a cute bandanna around my dog’s neck which was infused with Adaptil calming dog spray.

Adaptil is designed to release specific pheromones to calm and appease dogs, so it’s sort of like a calming message through the dog’s nose. I noticed my dog was less apprehensive at the vet, and each time he visits he gets a calming spray infused bandanna.

I wondered if perhaps spraying the Adaptil onto the Thundershirt or anti wrap for Dexter would help, so I gave it a shot. I can honestly say for mild storms or the occasional display of fireworks. this works in tandem to help ease Dexter’s noise phobia.

Never spray it directly on your dog, but do try it with a bandanna, on a dog bed, an anxiety wrap, or your dog’s favorite blanket where she rests.

Vetoquinol Zylkene Behavior Support Capsules

Touted as a “veterinary supplement formulated with alpha-casozepine, a natural ingredient from cow’s milk with calming properties to help relax cats and dogs,” this product may help a stressed dog during fireworks, thunderstorms, veterinary visits, and more.

I have not tried this product, but reviews across the board from pet parents indicate about a 50/50 success rate. You should always talk to your veterinarian before starting any supplement, even if it is touted as ‘natural’ and has the NASC seal of approval, which this product does.

It is easy to administer, touted as not causing drowsiness, and Vetoquinol, the manufacturer, indicates it is safe for long-term use.

Some reviews indicate dogs with allergies to beef or dairy had side effects. If you have a dog afraid of loud noises, many pet parents swear by the success of Zylkene. It is available on Amazon and Chewy.

Other Medications For Noise Phobic Dogs

Some dogs need a bit more than a natural supplement can provide. Every now and then, my dog needs help with a prescription medication from the vet.

During all-day thunderstorms or days-long fireworks, we rely on Xanax. It makes my male Cocker Spaniel calm but not drowsy. He sort of acts like nothing is happening outside whereas he’d be shaking like a bag of popcorn in the microwave.

In addition to Xanax, other medications that are sometimes prescribed for dogs who are afraid of loud sounds include:

• Ativan (lorazepam)
• Sileo (dexmedetomidine)
• Trazodone (Desyrel, Oleptro)
• Valium (diazepam)
• Zoloft (sertraline)

Never use a medication not specifically prescribed for your dog. Many dog parents choose to treat their dogs with natural products to avoid prescription medications. Never overdose or use too much of anything on your dog. Make sure to ask your dog’s vet about adding anything new to your dog’s regimen.

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