BEHAVIOUR
Risk factors include age (over 4 years, except for lines
where the condition is heritable), exposure to loud
noises in the first four months of age, ambilateralism
and unstable prior experience. Dogs that stayed
with the breeder had a lower risk of developing the
condition.
provided in a familiar, accessible place such as in
a bedroom or on the patio in a sheltered spot,
where the dog already tends to go voluntarily.
The pet should have free access to it even when
the owner is not at home. Get the dog used to
it in a fun way when there are no scary sounds
so that he will voluntarily enter the den when
necessary. Put some soft furnishings like pillows
or blankets inside the den as this helps to absorb
sounds. A pile of blankets to crawl under, even
without a den, will help to block out sounds. If
indoors, windows and curtains or blinds should
be closed to block out light and sound.
Noise phobia often co-exists with other anxiety
disorders such as generalised anxiety disorder and
separation anxiety.
Differential diagnoses
Noise phobia can be confused with separation
anxiety when the dog shows more severe behaviour
in the absence of the owner. Due to the owner
being a safety signal the noise phobia is less severe
in the presence of the owner, and it can appear to
be separation-linked. Another possible differential
diagnosis is attention-seeking behaviour – the animal
may have learned that fearful behaviour results in the
owner giving attention. Such behaviour would be
absent in the absence of the owner. Videotaping the
patient when the owner is not present during a storm
will help to confirm or eliminate this diagnosis, as
attention-seeking behaviour per definition only occurs
in the presence of the owner.
Clinical approach
• Pheromonatherapy: The Adaptil range of products
(Ceva) contains dog appeasing pheromone. The
different formulations can be used individually or
combined - a collar lasting one month, diffusers
in the home (1 month effectivity) and a spray
sprayed inside the den and/or on a scarf that is
put around the dog’s neck (unless it is wearing a
collar already).
• Classical music has been showed to reduce
anxiety in dogs and cats and can be played during
the thunderstorm or other event.
Physical manipulation
•
A complete physical examination focusing particularly
on conditions causing pain should be performed.
Concurrent behaviour conditions should be identified
by obtaining a detailed history.
Treatment
The most important aspect of treatment is to start
treatment early, when the animal starts showing
signs of fear due to noises. The sooner fearful animals
are treated, the less likely they are to progress to
severe phobias. The mildest signs of anxiety during
phobic events justify at least short-term medication.
Noise phobias usually progress to severe levels if left
untreated. Advising clients to withhold treatment until
the condition deteriorates is not in the animal’s best
interest.
•
Behavioural/psychological modification
•
Treatment consists of environmental modification,
medication (chemical manipulation) behavioural
modification and physical modification.
Environmental modification
• Avoid exposure: If possible, keep the dog
indoors in a dark room with many furnishings to
absorb the sound. In the case of known events
e.g. fireworks shows, consider taking the pet to
another location for the duration of the event
• A safe, soundproof den or crate should be
So-called “thunder shirts”:
- - Some dogs benefit from a garment or
bandage around the trunk e.g. form-fitting
anti-static capes (Storm Defender) or anxiety
wraps. In some cases just a relatively tight-
fitting T-shirt may be helpful. For some dogs,
wearing a garment is in itself scary and they
freeze when it is put on them – freezing
should not be mistaken for reduced anxiety.
In controlled trials improvements were noted
with these products but the effects were
found to be insignificant.
Ear muffs or ear plugs may be helpful to dull the
sounds
•
Counter-conditioning:
Associate the noise
with pleasant stimuli e.g. toys, games, physical
interaction between the owner and the dog,
music. In very severe cases the animals will be
unable to respond to counter-conditioning.
Systematic desensitisation: The dog is gradually
exposed to low levels of the fear-eliciting sound,
slowly becoming louder and louder.
The
recommended product to use is the Sounds
Scary which is available at https://www.dogstrust.
org.uk/help-advice/dog-behaviour-health/sound-
therapy-for-pets. It is important that this product
is used correctly by following the instructions
carefully. This is a longer term approach as the
desensitisation process should commence when
Issue 02 | MAY 2019 | 5