What could this look like



A dog may react to sounds and freeze or try and run. They man  scan the environment even if there is no sound in a hyper vigilant way. You may see body language signs such as:

•      Raised hackles

•      Tail tucked under their body

•      Showing the whites of their eyes

•      Refusing to move

•      Not eating

Why may a dog be more sensitive to sounds?

Dogs can start to generalise sounds that they hear inside as well as outside.

Often dogs who are sound sensitive are experiencing musculoskeletal pain as they hear the sound – they get startled – they tense up – this can exacerbate underlying pain. (Lopes Fagundes Ana Luisa , Hewison Lynn , McPeake Kevin J. , Zulch Helen , Mills Daniel Simon , Noise Sensitivities in Dogs: An Exploration of Signs in Dogs with and without Musculoskeletal Pain Using Qualitative Content Analysis, Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Volume 5 - 2018)

Pain

Body language that can suggest pain of pain can include pacing, head bobbing, crabbing movement (where legs can move to one side) bunny hopping (when both legs move together). -Denenberg, Sagi, Small Animal Veterinary Psychiatry, : CABI Publishing .

Taking a video and slowing it down to show your vet can be helpful.

If possible you could hire a fenced in field for off lead exercise if you are nervous your dog will run off. A long lead will allow them to sniff and have some freedom without the risk of them running away.

What you can do at home if your dog is nervous of sounds

The below is management advice in terms of fireworks.

Set up a den for your dog in the area in your home that has the smallest window (quite often the bathroom)

White noise may drown out some of the noise.

Have enrichment toys such as stuffed kongs with or puzzle feeders or a big tasty meaty chew to help take their mind off the fireworks.

Shut the blinds and curtains.

Make sure there are lots of blankets for them to burrow in and under – some dogs will like these in a crate.