Noise fears, including responses to fireworks, thunderstorms, and sudden sounds, are the most common behavioral problem in dogs. According to a review by Stefanie Riemer (2023), effective solutions combine behavioral training, management strategies, and, in some cases, medication.
Short-term management focuses on safeguarding welfare during unavoidable noise events. Owners can provide food, play, and environmental adjustments to reduce distress. In severe cases, anxiolytic medications have strong evidence supporting their use, helping prevent long-term trauma or worsening fears.
Long-term solutions rely on counterconditioning and desensitization. Training dogs with real-life or recorded noises, paired with positive reinforcement, can alter their emotional responses. Relaxation training further improves outcomes, allowing dogs to recover more quickly from noise exposure.
While many commercial products—such as nutraceuticals, pheromones, herbal remedies, homeopathy, Bach flowers, and essential oils—are marketed for noise fears, the review emphasizes that evidence does not support their effectiveness as standalone treatments. Preventive training, on the other hand, appears highly effective in stopping noise fears from developing in both puppies and adult dogs.
The findings underscore the importance of early intervention and scientifically validated strategies to protect canine welfare, while cautioning owners about relying on unproven alternative products.
Source: Riemer, S. (2023). Therapy and Prevention of Noise Fears in Dogs—A Review of the Current Evidence for Practitioners. Animals, 13. Published November 27, 2023.
