SOME ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES ARE EASY TO ARRANGE, such as closing the curtains during thunderstorms or fireworks and using background music or television to muffle the scary sounds. Heavy, light impermeable curtains work the best.

These changes won’t cure your dog’s noise anxiety, but they can help to reduce the distress he is experiencing. Environmental management is a lifelong treatment method. With time, you will learn what works best for your dog. Avoid exposure to anxiety triggering noises and do not take your dog out during storms or fireworks. Try to create a quiet, calm, safe place for your dog at home. This place can be his crate, a dim/dark room, or a closet.