Noise Phobia In Dogs: Symptoms & Treatment Options

Noise Phobia In Dogs: Symptoms & Treatment Options
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Key Takeaways

  • Noise phobia is an intense fear that can affect your dog's quality of life and show up as trembling, hiding, or destructive behavior.
  • Common triggers include thunderstorms, fireworks, construction work, and even household sounds like vacuum cleaners, but each dog's sensitivities are unique.
  • Creating a safe space and using calming techniques can make a huge difference, helping your dog feel more secure when they hear scary sounds.
  • Bailey's CBD can promote calmness and help your dog's body adapt to stress during challenging situations.
  • At Bailey’s CBD, our vet-formulated CBD oil and calming yummies are made to support your dog in managing their noise phobia and boost their overall well-being.

What Is Noise Phobia in Dogs?

Noise phobia is when your dog has an overwhelming fear of certain sounds that goes way beyond a normal startle response. While most dogs might perk up their ears or look around when they hear something unexpected, a dog with noise phobia experiences genuine panic.

Think of it like this: a typical dog hears thunder and might feel a little unsettled, but a dog with noise phobia hears that same thunder and feels like the world is ending. Their body goes into full fight-or-flight mode, flooding with stress hormones that make them feel like they need to escape or hide immediately.

This isn't something they can just "get over" or that they're doing for attention. It's a real physiological response that can get worse over time if not addressed with patience and the right support strategies.

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Common Noise Phobia Symptoms

Recognizing noise phobia early can make all the difference in helping your dog feel more comfortable. Here's what to look for:

Physical Symptoms

  • Excessive panting or drooling without physical activity
  • Trembling or shaking that starts with the noise and continues after
  • Restless pacing or inability to settle down
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control, even in house-trained dogs
  • Dilated pupils or a "wide-eyed" expression

Behavioral Changes

  • Hiding in small spaces like closets, under beds, or behind furniture
  • Destructive behavior such as scratching at doors, chewing, or digging
  • Trying to escape by jumping fences, breaking through barriers, or bolting
  • Excessive barking, whining, or howling
  • Clingy behavior or refusing to leave your side
  • Complete shutdown, where your dog becomes unresponsive to commands or treats

Common Noise Triggers

Weather-Related Sounds

Thunder is probably the most common trigger because it's loud, unpredictable, and often comes with changes in air pressure that dogs can sense before we even hear anything. Heavy rain, hail, and wind can also be overwhelming.

Celebration Noises

Fireworks are tough because they're sudden, sharp, and completely random from your dog's perspective. New Year's Eve and Fourth of July can be particularly challenging times for noise-sensitive pups.

Household & Urban Sounds

Vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, smoke alarms, construction work, lawn mowers, and even the garbage truck can trigger fear responses. Some dogs develop sensitivities to seemingly harmless sounds like the microwave beeping or keys jingling.

Unexpected Loud Events

Door slams, dropped pans, or children shouting can catch your dogs off guard too.

Treatment & Support Strategies

Sound Desensitization

This involves gradually exposing your dog to recorded versions of the frightening sounds at very low volumes while they're relaxed and happy. Over time, you slowly increase the volume as your dog learns to associate these sounds with positive experiences like treats or playtime. This takes patience and consistency, but it can be incredibly effective.

Carefully exposing your dog to recordings of frightening sounds can help them be better adjusted when those sounds actually happen.

Environmental Modifications

Close curtains or blinds to muffle sound and block flashes from lightning. You can also turn on calming background music or white noise to help mask sudden noises.

Natural Calming Support

Many pet parents find success with natural options that help support their dog's ability to stay calm. Hemp-based products can promote relaxation without causing drowsiness, making them helpful for dogs who need to maintain normal function while feeling more at ease. 

Choose pet-friendly products that are free from fillers, chemicals, and harmful additives, since these can compromise your dog’s health. One such brand is Bailey’s CBD—we produce non-GMO, soy-free, and vegan CBD products specifically designed for pets. 

Our clean, high-quality, and lab-tested formulas ensure your dog gets only the beneficial ingredients they need.

Routine & Predictability

Dogs feel safer when they know what to expect. Try to maintain normal routines during stressful events, and avoid making a big fuss about the noise, which can reinforce your dog's fear.

Creating a Safe Space

Having a designated comfort zone can make all the difference when your dog needs to retreat and feel secure. Choose a quiet area of your home where your dog already likes to relax. Make this space extra comfortable with their favorite blanket, a worn t-shirt that smells like you, and maybe a special toy.

A cozy corner with familiar blankets and toys can become a dog's preferred retreat during loud events, helping them feel more secure.

In the event of unsettling noise, let your dog go to their safe space if that's what they want. Don't force interaction, but don't completely ignore them either. Stay calm and speak in normal tones. Offering gentle reassurance is fine, but avoid overdoing it with baby talk or excessive comforting.

Prevention & Long-Term Support

Early Socialization

If you have a puppy, gentle exposure to various sounds during their critical socialization period (roughly 3–16 weeks) can help prevent noise phobias from developing. You can do this by playing recordings of different sounds at low volumes during positive activities like feeding or play.

Building Confidence

Confident dogs tend to handle unexpected situations better. Regular training, positive experiences, and mental stimulation help your dog's confidence and ability to cope with stress.

A confident dog is more likely to handle unexpected situations better.

Consistent Support

Don't wait for storm season or fireworks holidays to think about noise phobia. Year-round support with calming routines, environmental management, and natural supplements can help manage your dog's stress levels.

When to Seek Professional Help

While many dogs respond well to home management strategies, some situations warrant professional guidance:

  • They're injuring themselves trying to escape
  • The phobia is interfering with basic daily activities
  • You're seeing signs of depression or complete withdrawal
  • Multiple triggers are developing, making normal life difficult

Bailey's CBD: The Trusted Choice for Dog Wellness

When your dog struggles with noise sensitivity, you want support that's safe, effective, and made with the highest standards. Bailey's CBD offers natural hemp-based products formulated to help dogs maintain calmness during stressful situations.

Commitment to quality and transparency is what sets us apart. Our USDA organic hemp is sourced from a single farm to maintain consistent quality. The extraction is carried out at the only specialized lab in the United States, located in Boulder, Colorado, using subcritical CO₂ technology that preserves beneficial plant compounds and eliminates harsh solvents. 

Every product is lab-tested for purity. You can be assured that we keep your pet's safety at the forefront, and our license from the Department of Health is evidence of that.

Some of our calming support options include:

  • Our CBD Oil for Dogs, available in 10mg CBD per ml concentrations with total potencies of 300mg and 600mg, is perfect for mixing with food or administering directly.
  • Calming CBD Yummies and Omega Hemp CBD Soft Chews that promote calmness without causing drowsiness, thanks to ingredients such as CBD, chamomile, passion flower, and valerian root, known for their natural calming properties.

Bailey’s Calming CBD Yummies promotes calmness without inducing drowsiness.

All our products are made without harmful additives, and we offer multiple potencies for different sizes and needs, ensuring the right support for every dog.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can noise phobia develop suddenly in older dogs

Yes. Dogs can develop noise sensitivities at any age, sometimes after a single traumatic event or due to age-related changes in hearing or cognitive function.

Is it okay to comfort my dog during scary noise events? 

Yes, gentle reassurance is fine and natural. However, avoid overdoing it with excessive baby talk or dramatic reactions. Stay calm and speak in normal, soothing tones.

Can puppies develop noise phobias?

Puppies can develop noise phobias, especially during their fear periods around 8–11 weeks and again around 6–14 months. Early positive exposure to various sounds and supportive care during scary events can help prevent long-term sensitivities from developing.

Should I use calming products only during noise events or daily?

For dogs with severe noise phobias, daily support can help maintain lower baseline stress levels, making them more resilient when scary sounds occur. For milder cases, using products before anticipated events (like during storm season) can be effective.

How should I use Bailey’s CBD products?

You can add our CBD Oil for Dogs to your dog’s food, or offer the calming yummies as a daily snack. Follow the instructions on the label for the best results!


These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

These products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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