TV vet Dr Scott Miller has warned that the noise and excitement surrounding World Cup fixtures can cause significant anxiety in dogs, who possess hearing far more sensitive than humans. Appearing on ITV's This Morning, he explained that the high-pitched sounds and sudden outbursts typical of football celebrations are particularly distressing for pets.
Why Dogs Are Vulnerable During Tournaments
Dr Miller noted that dogs can detect sounds from roughly four times the distance humans can. "If you can hear something from 20 metres away, they can hear it from 80 metres away," he said. "You can imagine when you have your family, who are normally calm and lovely, suddenly screaming away beside them."
He compared the effect to fireworks, which are known to terrify many animals. "It's just these high-pitched sounds that happen out of nowhere," he explained. "They don't get any warning for them."
Recognising Signs of Stress
Animal welfare charity Dogs Trust states that signs of stress in dogs include trembling, panting, pacing, hiding, excessive barking, and attempts to flee. Some dogs may become withdrawn or unusually clingy when anxious. The charity's research indicates that loud or unfamiliar sounds—such as fireworks, thunderstorms, and raised voices—are among the most frequent triggers.
Expert Advice for Owners
Dr Miller offered several practical measures to help dogs cope. "Have somewhere that your dog can slink away to, or your cat as well, away from the noise and the hubbub of the game," he advised. He also recommended tiring pets out before kick-off with a walk, interactive play, or mentally stimulating activity. "Making sure they're nicely tuckered out, maybe play an interactive game with them, stimulate their minds as well as their body, and then feed them as well," he said. "So they've got that sort of Sunday afternoon feeling. They are a bit sleepy and a little bit relaxed."
For homes anticipating especially noisy celebrations, Dr Miller suggested drawing curtains and playing low-level background music to muffle unexpected sounds from both inside and outside.
Preparation for a Pleasant Tournament
As millions of football supporters gear up to watch World Cup fixtures, experts urge owners to monitor their pets alongside the action. A spot of preparation—such as creating a quiet retreat and using calming background noise—could help ensure both owners and their dogs enjoy a more pleasant tournament.
