Dog Noise Anxiety

Dog noise anxiety is a common ailment for our furry friends and the Fourth of July in Colorado can be an especially rough night for them. A night like the Fourth, when the fireworks go on for hours, parties are prevalent and oftentimes afternoon thunderstorms rear their ugly head, many dogs are overwhelmed and overloaded. Dog noise anxiety can be heartbreaking to witness--cowering in a corner or under a table shivering is no fun for anyone.

Colorado Thunderstorms are equally as anxiety-inducing for dogs who are sensitive to loud noises. Close lightning strikes and rolling thunder can create anxiety in dogs for as long as a storm will last.

Furthermore, big cities can be particularly harsh environments for dog noise anxiety. Sirens and other loud noises are unpredictable and almost continuous in large cities.

In every case, there is nowhere safe enough to hide for a dog with dog noise anxiety.

Everyday Anxiety vs. Fear and Phobia

Loud noises are inevitable and a reaction of alarm is normal for any dog (it means they’re alive and functioning well!). Growling, barking and investigating are all common responses to an unwelcome sound.

A reaction of fear is different. Shaking, nervous whimpering, cowering and hiding are all reactions of fear and in the case of dog noise anxiety, this behavior can go on for hours. Even long after the clap of thunder or the fireworks is gone.

Phobias are the next level of fear. When even the perception of a threat, real or imagined, affects a dog’s behavior, this is a phobia. There may be no thunder, but a dark cloudy sky is an indicator and can trigger dog noise anxiety in and of itself.

Dogs with a severe dog noise phobia may find a vacuum threatening (even when with the vacuum not operating) and will attack the appliance in anticipation of all the noise.

Causes of Dog Noise Anxiety

Any dog, even the most calm and even-tempered, can develop dog noise anxiety. However, conditions that may render a dog more-at-risk include past or present physical or emotional abuse, neglect, under-socialization and any trauma related to or including a loud noise.

Stress Management

Underlying the surface symptoms of dog noise anxiety is stress. Whether fear or phobia, the end result is a nervous system on edge. Even short term exposure to high levels of anxiety can be debilitating, and long term exposure can cause disease.

Stress management is name of the game with dog noise anxiety.

Dog Noise Anxiety Relief

Dog calming treats made with hemp extract are a new option available for owners looking for dog anxiety relief. 

Colorado Dog Company's ZenTreats are formulated specifically to address anxiety, as dog noise anxiety is among the most intense and common forms of stress your dog can experience. Alleviating stress in your dog is one of the best things you can do for their health. 

Hemp extract containing potent levels of CBD, or Cannabidiol, has been studied for its use in treating conditions of the nervous system such as seizures and epilepsy. The calming effect of hemp extract on the nervous system is remarkable and can be a game changer in managing any stress-related symptoms.

Everyday stressors can become more tolerable and chronic conditions can become manageable with the help of dog calming treats.   

No one can prevent thunderstorms or the Fourth of July from being loud, but we can support the nervous systems of our furry friends and make those times more easeful.  

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information contained or made available through the ColoradoDog website is not intended to constitute or substitute for legal advice or veterinary advice.