A noise phobia that is not managed well can result in damage and injury to not only your pet, but potentially other pets and the household in general.  

Here are some tips to help your pet through such a scary situation.

Firstly, preparation is the key.  This can be particularly difficult when thunderstorms roll in quickly or you are not home when a noise event, such as fireworks, occur.  

A refuge or safe place for your pet to go is paramount. Here they can feel secure and hide until they are ready to re-join the family.

Usually such a place would have few windows to create darkness and be naturally quieter.

Having this refuge available at all times, not only during a stressful event, will teach your pet that they have somewhere safe to go whenever they feel anxious.

A pheromone-based diffuser near the safe place will help your pet feel calmer and less stressed about external stimuli.  

These natural smells are specific to either cats or dogs, so humans cannot smell them, making it something that is easy to install in order to help our pets feel more at home and less anxious.

Another option to make noise phobias less scary is enlisting the help of either a reputable dog trainer or a veterinary behaviourist who can help desensitise your pet and give you both strategies to help deal with a scary situation.

Whilst there are medical therapies designed to calm anxious animals, these are not usually recommended as an initial or sole therapy.

For advice regarding your pet’s noise-related phobia, please consult your local vet.