We put his bed in the most soundproof part of our home. This gave him peace of mind and a place to retreat to when he was feeling scared, allowing him some ownership of the process. When the sound is prolonged, we will often try to “compete” by playing a white noise machine or some other soft music. This provides a gentle distraction that can redirect a sacred animal’s attention. The use of thunder jackets and different calming scents are also often promoted by animal-help guides. For George, a safe place and some calming sounds are just the tricks to get through some spooky loud noises. Of course, every animal is different, and the solution to one pet’s anxiety might not be the same as another.
Whatever your pets’ speed, CUP would love to hear about your tips for managing animal stress.