Loud noises like fireworks, thunderstorms, construction sounds, or even everyday occurrences like bin lorries, delivery trucks, and vacuum cleaners can trigger fear in dogs. While we might find these sounds mildly annoying, for our pets, their sensitive hearing can make these noises overwhelming and stressful. But don’t worry—there are ways to help!
Here are 5 top tips to help keep your dog calm during loud or noisy situations:
1. Reduce the impact of noises / flashes
Creating a calm and quiet environment for your dog is one of the most effective ways to reduce the stress caused by loud noises. Here’s how you can do this:
- Shut windows: Block out external noise by closing windows and keeping your dog in a more central part of the house.
- Play background noise: Turn on music or the TV to help mask the sounds from outside.
- Block out visual stimuli: If fireworks or lightning flashes are part of the problem, close the curtains to prevent your dog from seeing the flashes, which can be just as distressing as the sounds.
- Time your dog’s walks: Make sure your dog has their exercise earlier in the day before any expected noise (like fireworks) begins. This ensures they’re safe indoors when the loud events happen.
2. Stay calm and follow your routine
Dogs are very intuitive and often pick up on their owners’ emotions. If you’re anxious or acting differently, your dog might become even more unsettled.
- Keep your routine consistent: Continue with your usual activities and try to avoid drawing attention to the noises outside. Checking windows or behaving differently can increase your dog’s awareness of the situation.
- Try not to scold your dog: Even if their behaviour becomes destructive or they are barking due to fear, avoid reprimanding them. They’re scared, and telling them off may only heighten their anxiety.
3. Create a safe space
Providing your dog with a designated safe space can help them feel more secure during loud events.
- Set up a quiet area: This could be a small, enclosed area like a crate or a room where they feel comfortable. The space should be as soundproof as possible to help block out the noise.
- Introduce the space early: Ideally, you should introduce this space to your dog before the event (like fireworks) occurs. That way, they’ll associate it with comfort and security rather than fear. If you try to introduce it for the first time when they’re already scared, they might not use it.
- Let your dog take the lead: If your dog hides or retreats to their safe space, don’t force them to come out. Allow them to manage their anxiety in their own way.
4. Offer reassurance
Many dogs seek reassurance from their owners when they’re frightened. While it’s important not to encourage long-term reliance on your attention to cope with stress, it’s okay to offer reassurance during particularly loud events like fireworks or storms.
- Be there for them: If your dog comes to you for comfort, provide it. Over time, you can work on building their confidence and independence, but in the short term, offering positive and comforting reassurance helps them feel safe.
5. Use calming supplements
Our Valerian Compound is perfect to help calm your dog quickly and naturally, during unexpected loud events, such as thunderstorms or nearby fireworks. It begins working in just 30 minutes, with calming effects that last up to 2 hours, without causing drowsiness or dopiness. The compound can also be used to help top up the calming effects of our Scullcap & Valerian Tablets. Overall, it’s perfect to keep on hand for those sudden moments when you want to help keep your dog calm and relaxed!
If your dog experiences ongoing anxiety or the loud noises are expected to persist, we recommend our Scullcap & Valerian Tablets. These tablets were proven to reduce anxiety symptoms in 87%* of dogs during a 2022 University of Cambridge study. With natural active ingredients like Valerian, Scullcap, and Mistletoe, they’re specially formulated to provide long-term support by naturally calming your dog’s nervous system.
