What this means
A sudden or new change in behaviour is a reason to have a vet rule out pain and illness first. If a dog that never minded noise suddenly becomes worried, or an older dog's fear has grown a lot, it can be a sign of pain, ear trouble, a change in sight or hearing, or age-related changes in the brain.
Fear of noise usually shows as shaking, panting, drooling, hiding, pacing, trying to escape, or pressing close to the owner. It helps to write down which sounds set it off (thunder, bangs, household appliances), how long the reaction lasts, and whether your dog recovers once the sound stops.
This overview does not offer ways of changing the behaviour, because the first question is whether the dog is healthy. Once medical causes have been ruled out, talk to your vet about the next steps.
Possible causes
These are things that can cause this sign. It is not a diagnosis, and they are not equally likely for your dog.
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Fear of particular sounds
Thunder, fireworks or sudden bangs can bring on a strong fear reaction that fades once the noise is gone.
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Pain
A dog in pain is more sensitive, and a sound can startle it more than before. A change in fearfulness can be one of the few signs of pain.
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Changes in hearing
When hearing weakens or changes, some sounds may seem odd or sudden to a dog, and it may begin to fear them.
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Ear trouble
Sore or inflamed ears make sound unpleasant. Head shaking or scratching at the ears often goes with it.
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New anxiety in later life
Sudden anxiety or fears that were not there before in an ageing dog are sometimes linked with health or brain changes.
What else to watch for
These observations help your vet build the picture faster. Note down what you saw and when.
- Which sounds cause the fear and whether this is new
- How long the reaction lasts and how your dog recovers
- Whether it also shakes its head or scratches its ears
- Whether its hearing has changed, for example it no longer reacts to its name
- Whether appetite, sleep or movement have changed
- Whether it shakes, pants or drools even when nothing can be heard
When to book a routine visit
Book a visit if the fear is new, has grown or appeared in later life, or if hearing, appetite or movement have changed with it. Bring notes on which sounds affect your dog and how.
Related conditions
Conditions whose entries mention this sign. The list is somewhere to read on, not a way to reach a diagnosis.
- Anxiety General health Anxiety is a state in which a dog feels tension and fear constantly or far too strongly, even when there is no real danger. It can be set off by being left alone, loud noises, new surroundings or strangers, and long-lasting anxiety wears down both the dog and the whole household. It helps to understand that this behaviour is not stubbornness or disobedience but a sign that the dog is struggling.
- Deafness Ears and hearing Deafness is a partial or complete loss of hearing in one or both ears. It can be congenital and inherited, with a puppy born unable to hear, or develop later through ageing, long-lasting ear infections or injury. A deaf dog can live a full life, but it needs a different way of communicating, such as hand signals, and more care near roads.
Body systems: General health Ears and hearing