The top 5 most stressful sounds for a dog...explained!

This is the other kind of wish list. A collection of sounds they 'wish' never entered their ears! Because while our furry family members live mostly happy and carefree lives, there are a few  events that really rub them the wrong way...

Did you know? Studies show that sound phobias affect somewhere between 25% and 50% of all pets. That’s a lot of dogs and cats feeling stressed by noises we barely notice. So let's dive in... 

Their Least Liked Sounds

The noises that really get under our pets’ skin tend to share a few things in common... they’re loud, unpredictable, occasional, and often high-pitched. Not exactly music to the ears… especially for pets whose hearing is far more sensitive than ours.

1. Vacuum Cleaners: You and me both! The roar of the motor and the unpredictable lunging of the vacuum head can be a big source of worry.
2. Power Tools: By being both infrequent and piercingly loud, drills and saws... even from an adjacent building site can cause sudden, intense anxiety.
3. Smoke Alarms: This one surprises a lot of people. But because they’re designed to be ear-piercing to humans, they’re even more overwhelming for pets.
4. Thunderstorms & Fireworks: A scourge of summer. Their unpredictability, flashing lights, and sensory overload make them a major source of stress.
5. Barking Dogs: For cats, it’s a major safety freak-out. For dogs, it can trigger reactive barking. This neighbourhood soundtrack still ruffles feathers… and fur.

Why Do Sounds Cause So Much Stress?

If these sounds happened all the time, most pets would eventually get used to them. The problem is… they don’t.

Because they’re occasional, they remain unpredictable. And if a pet wasn’t socialised to these noises when they were young or if something negative happened the first time they heard it (like being startled, injured, or yelled at) the brain can ‘lock in’ that sound as a threat. From then on, the reaction is instant and intense.

What You Can Do To Help

You don’t have to just accept that your pet will always be stressed by certain sounds. There are ways to help them feel calmer and more in control.

1. De-sensitisation: Play the sound they fear at a very low volume and gradually increase it over time. The key? Reward calm behaviour, not fearful reactions.
2. Counter-Conditioning: Make the sound a cue for something positive — like treats, play, or affection. With consistency, they can start to associate that noise with good things.
3. L-Theanine: This naturally occurring amino acid has been proven in many studies to reduce anxiety and those heartbreaking fear responses. It’s also the hero ingredient in my Calm + Collected treats which I created to give pets extra support in those stressful moments.

Calm + Collected Treats Chicken

$13.99

As you can see, that sensitive hearing can be both a blessing...and a curse. But with the right care, they can navigate their way through a big scary world of weird sounds...