Sound sensitivity or noise reactivity disorders affect around 23 million dogs in the U.S. - which is a lot of dogs.

67% of dog owners report that their dog experiences noise aversion symptoms when exposed to loud noises.

Here are some interesting facts new research has discovered:

• there is a significant overlap between noise aversion & motion sickness.

• Dogs with noise reactivity are 3x more likely to have separation anxiety.

• They are 18x more likely to be fearful in new situations.

• They are also 4x more likely to take a longer time to calm down after any stressful situation.

• Herding breeds and noise sensitive lines of working & hunting breeds (i.e., Spaniels, Pointers, Beagles) are predisposed to sound sensitivity.

• There does seem to be some relationship between osteoarthritis and noise aversion. Dogs in a study who had OA versus dogs in the study who did not only responded to training AFTER their pain was addressed.

How are we helping dogs now?

• Setting up their environment to avoid stressful noise situations, masking scary sounds (white or brown noise, music), and enhancing the human-animal bond by proactively rewarding great behaviors in our dogs.

• Screening our dogs for pain and discomfort - you can use this link to fill out the OA screening and share with your vet.

• Educating new puppy owners on safely exposing their new pup to novel sounds in a way to prevent future fears.

• Training our dogs skills to help them manage stressful responses, EVEN when we aren't at home with them.