Spring storms have been frequent and loud this year in the Midwest. Add graduation celebrations with fireworks and it’s a noise-averse dog’s nightmare. Bonnie Beaver, DVM, shares strategies for managing sound sensitivity in dogs.
The information is an excellent reference to share with dog owners frequently.
Studies have suggested that nearly 49% of dogs are reported by their owners to have some level of sound sensitivity. The intensity of the problem increases gradually with repeated exposures, and more occurrences can trigger fearful responses.
Source: Clinician’s Brief, February 2017. Link. Key pearls to put into practice:
- Detect sound sensitivity early by asking relevant questions about response to specific noises (eg, fireworks, thunder) at each patient visit.
- Advise owners to identify and encourage use of safe spots for all pets, even those not yet exhibiting a problem.
- Provide tools that enable owners to identify sound sensitivity (online assessment < link >) and treat it successfully (eg, step-by-step guidelines for desensitization and counterconditioning).