by Betty Carew

Created on: November 21, 2009   Last Updated: November 22, 2009

While some pets don't give noise and storms a second thought there are others that fall apart right in front of you suffering from fear. This noise is usually caused by thunderstorms or fireworks. There are many things you can do to help your pet during these times. You are the pack leader and they look to you for the help.

Fireworks

If there are fireworks you are probably aware of when this is taking place. This way you can be prepared for the noise that is coming and plan how you will handle it. Staying calm is very important and will make your pet feel a little safer. If you are going to see the fireworks have someone stay with your pet, don't leave him alone. Don't ever take your dog to see the fireworks if you are aware they are afraid of the noise. This will just make matters a lot worse.

Sensitive hearing

If your pet is a dog they can pick up on sound long before you do. They have very acute hearing and noise is much louder for them than it is for us. If your pet starts to shake or cower in under a piece of furniture or hide under your favorite chair you can count him detecting some sort of sound. This also applies any sound that becomes uncomfortable for their hearing. For your pet loud noise can become unbearable and causes a great deal of fear.

Don't coddle your pet

If your pet is reacting to noise don't try and coddle them. Stay calm and don't try to pet or hold them in order to reduce their fear. This will backfire on you by telling your pet it is ok to be afraid of the noise which in turn makes them more fearful. The more normal you act the better it will be for your pet. When the noise is over and your dog returns to normal behavior is an excellent time to reward him for being calm.

Hiding places

Give your pet any place that he feels comfortable in during loud noises or storms. He needs a place where he feels a little safer. Let him choose the place he is most comfortable with. You will probably be able to tell his favorite hiding place before this as he will go there when things get a little too hectic for him or when he is afraid. It will be helpful for you to know which place he prefers as it will help calm his fears and you can encourage him to go there.

Averting his attention

To avert his attention you can try to drown out the noise that his making your pet afraid. This is an excellent way of helping him. Turn up the radio or television a little louder than usually or play some soft music with the volume up a little. This will help make the

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