Senior Dog Comfort & Care

You’d think that going deaf would mean a dog wouldn’t notice loud noises. As hearing loss progresses, healthy inner ear cells are recruited to help respond to loud sounds, and when they do, it’s quite a startling experience. This is similar to hyperacusis (heightened sensitivity to sound) in humans. Dogs with hearing loss can be more sensitive to different sound frequencies, like the low rumble of thunder or screeching fireworks. This can increase noise anxiety.

If sounds cause your dog to panic, you’ll want to try a few different things to help them feel calmer, especially during traumatic events like the 4th of July. Set up a safe space where they can hunker down. Play calming music or turn on a fan or noise machine to help mask those other sounds. Consider using calming dog pheromones or natural remedies and supplements to help your dog feel better. There are very effective prescription medications specifically for noise phobia, and they can help your dog immensely if given before noise events.

Comfort your dog if they are afraid of noises. You can’t make that fear worse; your dog needs your reassurance when frightened.