Could your dog’s fear of fireworks or thunderstorms have something to do with pain?
When a dog panics at fireworks, thunder, gunshots or even everyday noises such as motorbikes, household appliances or doors slamming, we often think of it purely as a fear or anxiety problem.
But there is another possibility that is important to consider: underlying pain.
Research from the University of Lincoln found an association between noise sensitivity and musculoskeletal pain in dogs. Dogs with pain tended to develop their noise sensitivity later in life and were more likely to generalise their fear to other situations and places. Once pain was identified and appropriately managed, these dogs generally responded well.
One possible explanation is that a sudden noise causes a dog to startle and tense their body. If they already have painful joints or muscles, that physical reaction could be uncomfortable. The dog may then begin to associate the noise with an unpleasant experience.
This doesn’t mean that every dog frightened by fireworks has a painful condition. Noise sensitivity can develop for many reasons, and some dogs have been fearful of noises from a young age. But if your dog’s behaviour has changed, particularly if they have become noise sensitive as they have got older, it’s worth considering whether something physical could be contributing.
Look out for changes such as becoming frightened of noises they previously ignored, reacting to a wider range of sounds, becoming more reluctant to go into particular places, or showing other subtle changes in movement or behaviour.
And remember, noise sensitivity isn’t just about fireworks. Thunder, traffic, motorbikes, household noises and other sudden or high-pitched sounds can all trigger fear responses in dogs.
So before simply trying to train the fear away, ask yourself:
Could there be a physical reason why this has started?
If you’re concerned, speak to your vet. If pain is ruled out or treated and the fear remains, behavioural support can then help your dog learn to feel safer around the noises that worry them.
Sometimes looking for the reason behind a behaviour is just as important as working on the behaviour itself.
If you’d like to chat about this further, my 60 Minute Problem Solver would be ideal for you 👇
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