Loud noises like fireworks, thunderstorms, and even construction can turn celebrations into nightmares for pets that suffer from noise phobias. Luckily, there are a range of products aimed at helping pet owners mitigate these stressful situations. In this episode of Barking Mad, we explore calming techniques, training methods, and innovative products in an effort to provide pet parents with a range of resources to help keep their pets cool, calm, and collected during times of stress.

Helpful Links

Learn more about dog anxiety and stress from Dr. Sydney McCauley and Dr. Allison Andrukonis: https://bsmpartners.net/insights/dog-anxiety-and-stress-symptoms-causes-and-ways-to-help-them-cope-part-1-common-forms-symptoms-and-causes/

And find more insights on how pet parents can help their canine companions cope with anxiety and stress: https://bsmpartners.net/insights/dog-anxiety-and-stress-signs-causes-and-ways-to-help-them-cope-part-2-ways-to-help-them-cope 

Learn more from Dr. Katy Miller about operant conditioning as an effective method for animal training: https://bsmpartners.net/insights/unleashing-potential-a-guide-to-training-animals-with-operant-conditioning/

Find more information about Black River Dog Training: https://brdogtraining.com/

How to Stand Out in The Wild West of Pet Supplements by Dr. Katy Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/standing-out-wild-west-pet-supplements-bsm-partners-32ixc/?trackingId=K6PgXhZPzBLgLDccTYzvgQ%3D%3D

Learn more about:

• Pawnix Noise-Canceling Headset for dogs: https://pawnix.com/
• ThunderShirt and other ThunderWorks products: https://thundershirt.com/
• Pet Honesty’s Calming Supplements for dogs: https://www.pethonesty.com/collections/dog-calming

Show Notes

00:00 – Inside the Episode

01:53 – So, What Is a Noise Phobia?

03:02 – What Situations Might Induce a Noise Phobia?

04:46 – How Common are Noise Phobias in Dogs?

06:10 – Dr. Katy Miller on “Fight or Flight”

07:43 – Stress Behaviors to Look For in Dogs

10:31 – The Fiery Phobia Hamster Wheel (And How to Get Off!)

12:27 – Training as a Tool for Phobia Management

15:42 – But Don’t Worry—There Are Other Methods!

16:30 – How to Prepare Your Pet & Your Home

18:21 – What To Do During a Noise Phobia-Inducing Event

19:45 – Lessons Learned the Hard Way

22:46 – What To Do After The Event

23:57 – Are Pharmaceuticals An Option?

25:46 – Wearables, Pheromones, Supplements—Oh My!

26:13 – Introducing Kirsten Brand of Pawnix, A Noise-Canceling Headset for Dogs

27:20 – The Science Behind the Pawnix Headset

32:29 – Introducing Dominic DeDominicis of ThunderWorks, Maker of the ThunderShirt

35:13 – What Are Pheromones, and How Do They Work?

37:24 – Combining the Powers of Calm

38:39 – The Scoop on Calming Supplements

40:17 – Introducing Dr. Greg Reinhart of Pet Honesty, A Supplement Brand

41:06 – Favorable Results from an In-Home Use Test (IHUT)

43:21 – Supplements Can Be Effective, But They’re Not Instantaneous

44:48 – Melatonin, L-tryptophan, Gingko, and Other Calming Ingredients

47:18 – “Just Because It’s Natural Doesn’t Mean It’s Safe!”

48:09 – Exploring CBD: Use With Caution

51:13 – Key Takeaways from the Episode

52:16 – Conclusion and Farewell