New Puppy or Kitten - Time to Think About Noise Sensitivities!

Studies have shown that animals born earlier in the year are more likely to have noise sensitivities/fear of fireworks in later life. This is because when animals are younger, their brains are more willing to absorb information and learn to accept and recognise their environment as ‘normal’. However, as they get older and fireworks are set off, their efficiency to absorb these new stimuli are not as great and the immediate response is to panic and become fearful of them.

Those animals born towards the end Aug onwards are less likely to have noise sensitivities due to being brought up around noise during the firework season, but it is still advisable to help prevent them becoming fearful.

One of the factors that helps our pets from the development of fear is the use of prior low levels of exposure of the stimuli. For example, hearing numerous mild storms before a severe thunderstorm. We can do this at home with our new [and existing] pets with the use of Sounds Scary!, provided free of charge through the Dogs Trust. This includes a step-by-step plan that helps pets cope with fireworks at a low level, which should in turn, help them when the actual fireworks are on later in the year.

The use of the Sounds Scary! on a short regular basis, when the animal is already calm and relaxed, (but not asleep), for at least a couple of months before fireworks has helped in over 90% of cases.

Here is a video of little Daphne already listening to the soundtracks in plenty of time before firework season - although she's clearly listening, being in the familiar surroundings of home and with no reaction from the rest of the family, she's fairly relaxed about it. Sound desensitisation takes weeks to months- but is a valuable investment for the future of you and your pet, so give it a go soon!


Daphne listening to Sounds Scary from Marketing Larkmead on Vimeo.