About Frightened Dogs

About Frightened Dogs

Dogs get scared for many reasons and most of the time we can prevent it from happening. Dogs who have suffered abuse at some time in their lives often take years to get past the fear; if ever. Some never escape their abusers, but some are lucky enough to find other people who will love them and work with them to learn to trust. Drug therapies are sometimes used to help with the process. Other things that frighten dogs are holiday fireworks, thunderstorms, and loud noises of any sort. Not only are they scary, they also hurt the dog’s ears. Each year thousands of pets break free when they hear such things and are lost forever. To keep from you and your dog from going through this heartbreaking event, learn to take precautions when you know there is going to be loud noise. Put your dog in the quietest room you have with the windows and curtains closed. If there is a closet or somewhere he can hide in the room all the better. Speak softly and reassure him that everything’s going to be okay. If you are going to be away from the house, leave some food and water for him for when the noise stops. If he is crate trained, put him in there with some soft toys to divert his attention. You can turn on a radio, TV, or play a music CD as well.

Be aware too, that sometimes fear will make your dog act out aggressively.

Following are some suggestions to help keep your dog safe during loud noise events:



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Never take your dog someplace that is going to have a firework’s display



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If you usually leave your dog outdoors in a dog run or fenced yard, be sure to bring him in when the noise starts



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If you can stay with your dog while the noise is happening, instead of trying to hold him, try distraction such as playing with his toys together



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This is a good opportunity to be the best alpha dog you can be. Don’t become angry with your frightened dog and don’t make a fuss over him. Show him that you aren’t afraid by acting nonchalant. It would be fine to massage his spine or give him some friendly head pats



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Anytime you are going to take your dog someplace new, be a bit cautious until you know he feels safe there



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Keep your dog in a collar that fits and has his ID tags secured to it. You might also consider microchips or tattooing for identification



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If your dog becomes seriously frightened your vet can prescribe some tranquilizers



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Anytime you’re leaving your dog while you go on holiday, make sure a responsible person feeds and exercises him daily or take him to a familiar pet boarding facility



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Keep some pictures of your dog on hand in case the unthinkable happens and he is lost. You can post them at shelters, veterinarian offices, and even on the Internet