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Noise sensitivity with age
I know that the hive mind out there will have some suggestions so here goes. My lovely pup is going on 12 which is the indicated life span for his breed (Chinook). He has been a fairly bombproof dog since he was a puppy noise wise. My husband and son are both musicians so the electric guitar and piano have been a regular part of his life. He was even fairly nonchalant about fireworks and hunting noises (we have both on occasion where I live) until this last year. As July 4th approaches,n neighborhood yahoos are letting off fireworks at night, just random rockets here and there. He has been extremely sensitive and is now generalizing to car backfires and pots falling off the counter etc. His recovery time for most loud noises with the exception of fireworks is quick- within the 1/2 hour, although if he does hear a random backfire he will refuse to go for a walk at that time. But fireworks are causing panting and pacing for the remainder of the evening (up to several hours). He just had a vet check and everything is excellent, no issues noted. He does have osteoarthritis and he is on adaquan and anti inflammatories and gets chiro and acupunture regularly but I would love to make him more comfortable. What strategies do folks use to help their aging dogs with noise sensitivity?
Thanks in advance.
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5 Replies
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So sorry your dog is going through this. I have a dog, Bean, who is very frightened of storms, gunfire, and fireworks. And now Bond is nervous about fireworks and gunfire, but weirdly not storms.
I was glad to read you’re addressing pain-based issues because pain and increased noise sensitivity can be linked.
I’d absolutely encourage you to discuss medication with your vet to use in advance of known/upcoming triggers, like fireworks and storms. I’ve had to cycle through a variety of meds, including 2-med combos to find what sort of helps Bean. But I’ve learned if I don’t get the meds into her in advance they are not helpful. This coming week, I’m going to discuss Sileo with my vet and may give that a try.
Because meds work differently from one dog to the next, you may have some experimenting to do before you find what’s best for your dog.
I just DREAD July 4th. My neighbor across the street puts on a massive ‘show’ and it literally sounds like bombs are going off in my living room. There is no safe location to stow Bean to reduce the impact, even with covered crate, fans, loud TV, etc.-
Thanks Virginia and Catherine. I have meds ready for the 4th but not sure if they will work as this is our first try. I will also try DAP and rescue remedy and see how it goes.
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I hope it goes well. Keep us posted and remember: get the meds in way in advance!
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I give a dose ahead of the events so I know what will happen on a “normal” day – if the dog is not more relaxed, we need a different med or dose! One of the meds we tried had the opposite effect… Joy was super panty and anxious. That’s the last thing we needed more of on the 4th!
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I used to plan time in the woods every July 4th, back when I lived in a “mortar-bomb” neighborhood with poor Joy. I totally relate to what both of you have said – so sorry your beloved buddies are suffering.
I agree that pain can increase sensitivity and would look to making him as comfortable as possible. Beyond that there may be some additional anxiety meds that can help. Ask your vet again to see what options are available that work well with the medication he’s on. DAP also works for some dogs, but not all. May be worth a try?
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