Just like people, animals also feel fear. Loud noises, changes in routine, or new experiences can be enough to frighten and nervous them.
Understanding the reason for these fears is the first step to ensuring their well-being and strengthening the trust between owner and furry friend 💕
1. Fireworks
Fireworks are one of the most common fears in pets. Loud noises and vibrations are unpredictable stimuli for animals.
Signs of fear:
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- Trying to run away or hide
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Tremors
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Excessive barking or meowing
Dilated pupils, labored breathing
How to help:
- - Close the windows before the event if we can predict it.
- - Create a safe space inside your home that your pet is already familiar with: sheltered, comfortable (with beds and blankets), and with ambient music for distraction.
In very serious cases, the veterinarian may recommend natural calming supplements .
2. Thunderstorm
Dogs and cats have much more sensitive hearing than humans. They can hear sounds up to four times farther away and sense frequencies that we cannot perceive.
During a storm, several factors affect them simultaneously:
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- Intense and unpredictable thunderclaps ;
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- Vibrations and changes in atmospheric pressure that they feel in their body;
Different smells in the air caused by electricity and rain;
How to help:
- - Close the windows before the event if we can predict it.
- - Create a safe space inside your home that your pet is already familiar with: sheltered, comfortable (with beds and blankets), and with ambient music for distraction.
3. Visits to the veterinarian
For many furry friends, the vet's office is a place of strong smells, strange sounds, and uncomfortable experiences.
How to help:
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- Taking the animal to the veterinarian only for "social visits" (without procedures).
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- Ask the veterinarian to offer treats or affection, creating a positive association.
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- Use calming pheromones before the visit.
4. Domestic sounds
Many animals are afraid of vacuum cleaners, dryers, or similar devices. The noise can be too intense for their sensitive hearing .
How to help:
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- Get the animal used to it gradually, that is, turn on the sound from a distance, reward it with treats, and increase the volume little by little.
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You shouldn't force the approach.
5. Unknown people or animals
Fear of strangers can stem from a lack of socialization during childhood or from negative experiences.
How to help:
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- Introduce new people and animals into neutral and calm environments .
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Allow the animal to approach at its own pace.
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- Reinforce calm behaviors with rewards.
6. Changes and absence of tutors
Separation anxiety is one of the most challenging. Dogs (and some cats) can become stressed when left alone.
Signs: destruction of objects, vocalizations, inappropriate urination/defecation.
How to help:
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Create a consistent routine .
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- Leaving interactive toys or clothes with the owner's scent.
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- Train with short periods of absence and gradually increase them.
7. Unusual objects and sudden movements
Umbrellas, hats, balloons, bags - anything that changes shape or makes noise can be scary.
How to help:
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Present these objects in a positive way (show them, let them smell them, give them a snack).
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- Avoid exposing the animal to frightening stimuli suddenly.
Conclusion
Fear is part of animal nature, but it can be managed with empathy, routine, and understanding .
Animals perceive their owner's energy and emotions . If you appear calm, confident, and patient, they tend to feel safer.
More than "correcting behaviors," the secret is understanding what causes them and helping them transform fear into confidence.
