England fans may need to take extra care during the 1am kick-off against Mexico on Monday, not just for themselves but for their dogs. FIFA reversed its decision to bring the match forward by six hours, meaning the World Cup clash will start in the early hours. This timing could disturb pets sensitive to noise, as they would normally be asleep.
Noise Phobia in Dogs: A Growing Concern
According to the PDSA's page on noise phobias in dogs, "Dogs can hear a much broader range of frequencies than humans, so what feels like a quiet, far away noise to you, can be loud and scary for a dog." Common triggers include fireworks, thunderstorms, vacuum cleaners, cars, bangs, beeping, and hairdryers. During a goal, cheering, yelling, and banging on tables can be overwhelming. Even car doors slamming or groups of people arriving to watch the match could trigger a dog's noise phobia.
Younger Dogs at Higher Risk
Experts at Dogs Trust suggest that younger dogs could be more at risk of being scared, especially if they haven't been exposed to certain noises. They explain: "Your puppy needs to experience a range of household noises. This includes washing machines, vacuum cleaners, doorbells, telephones, radio or TV, and food mixers. In most homes, this will happen naturally. But if there are particular noises they are unlikely to experience, then you should use recordings of these sounds."
Signs and Symptoms of Noise Phobia
Some of the most common symptoms of noise phobia include: looking scared (showing the whites of their eyes, tucking their tail away), tremors, cowering down or freezing on the spot, running from noises, hiding, becoming uncharacteristically jumpy, excessive barking or growling, attention seeking, destructive behaviour such as digging and chewing, and toileting in the house. A dog may develop a noise phobia for several reasons, such as a previous bad experience like being startled by a car or balloon as a puppy, which can have a lasting impact. Dogs that were not exposed to a variety of sounds early in life are also more likely to become fearful of noises they encounter as adults. In some cases, pain can increase sensitivity to sound, so a sudden noise phobia should always be checked by a vet.
When to Contact Your Vet
The PDSA stresses: "An untreated noise phobia is likely to get worse with time, so it's best to contact your vet as soon as you notice your dog showing any signs of fear. Your vet will first check your dog is healthy, not in pain and then discuss the best steps to get them some help. They might recommend seeing an accredited behaviourist."
