As football fans across the country prepare to cheer on their teams this summer, animal welfare experts are warning that the excitement of match day could be causing hidden distress for millions of dogs.
While supporters may relish the atmosphere of a tense game, sudden cheering, shouting and dramatic reactions to goals can be overwhelming for canine companions, whose hearing is far more sensitive than that of humans.
Andrew Hale, canine emotional wellbeing expert for Pet Remedy, said many owners underestimate the emotional impact that sporting events can have on their pets.
He said: “Caring for a pet is about ensuring they are happy and emotionally comfortable, not simply fed and watered. Just because you are loving the match, the atmosphere and the excitement does not mean your pet is.
“Dogs experience the world very differently to us. Sudden bursts of noise, raised voices, tension, cheering and groups of people reacting emotionally can all be confusing or frightening for some dogs. When they feel they have lost control of their environment, stress levels can quickly rise and this may lead to an stress-related incident.
“One of the kindest things owners can do is think about how their dog is experiencing the occasion and make adjustments to help them feel safe. Creating a calm retreat area, allowing dogs to move away if they choose, and using calming support products can all help reduce anxiety.
“Pet Remedy calming sprays, wipes and plug-ins can be particularly useful during football matches, parties and other noisy gatherings. They work alongside good management to help pets feel more relaxed and secure when the atmosphere around them becomes overwhelming.”
Leah Callaghan, Vet Nurse at Butternut Box, said loud football matches can be particularly challenging for dogs because of the unpredictable nature of the noise.
“Loud shouting, sudden cheering, and the TV volume being turned up can all be unsettling for dogs, especially when the noise comes out of nowhere. Dogs have much more sensitive hearing than we do, so what feels like normal match-day excitement to us can feel intense, unpredictable, or even frightening to them.”
She added: “Football can be particularly stressful because the noise is so sudden. A dog might be relaxed one minute, then startled by cheering, groaning, clapping, or people jumping up when a goal is scored. Even if your dog is used to the television being on, the emotional energy in the room can change very quickly, and many dogs will pick up on that.
“Some dogs will simply move away and settle somewhere quieter, but others may become very anxious or defensive. It, of course, depends on the individual dog, their past experiences, their age, their temperament, and how used they are to household noise.”
Experts say many owners may miss the warning signs that their dog is struggling.
“The signs of noise-related anxiety can be subtle at first,” Leah explained. “A dog may start pacing, panting, yawning, licking their lips, trembling, hiding, whining or looking for reassurance. You might also see them pinning their ears back, tucking their tail, refusing treats, becoming unusually clingy, or trying to leave the room.
“Some dogs become restless and cannot settle, while others go very still or withdraw completely. That is why it is important not to assume a dog is fine just because they are not barking or making a fuss. Freezing, hiding or trying to get away can all be signs that they are overwhelmed.”
Animal behaviour experts are urging football fans to make simple adjustments before kick-off to help keep pets calm and comfortable.
Leah said: “Football fans can absolutely enjoy the match at home while still thinking about their dog’s well-being. The key is to plan before kick-off, rather than waiting until your dog is stressed.
“Set up a quiet, cosy space away from the main noise of the TV, ideally in a room your dog already likes. Add their bed, blankets, water, favourite toys, and something calming to occupy them, such as a lickimat with some pate on it or a food puzzle. Closing curtains and doors can help soften sudden sounds, and playing low-level background music or white noise in another room may help mask the shouting.
“Try to keep the TV volume at a reasonable level and be mindful of sudden cheering, especially if your dog is nervous or noise-sensitive. Of course, people are going to react during a big match, but avoiding screaming right next to the dog or jumping up over them can make a big difference.
“A walk before the game can also help. Giving your dog exercise, toilet time, and mental stimulation before kick-off means they are more likely to settle while the match is on. Feeding them beforehand or giving them a long-lasting enrichment activity during the game can also create a calmer association.
“If your dog chooses to leave the room, let them. Do not force them to stay with the family or sit near the TV. Giving dogs a choice is one of the simplest ways to reduce stress.”
She added that owners should seek professional help if their dog struggles significantly with loud noises.
“Owners should speak to their vet or a qualified behaviorist if their dog experiences severe noise anxiety. If a dog is trembling, panicking, destructive, or unable to recover after loud noises, match-day management alone may not be enough. In these cases, tailored support is required, which can be aided by the use of calming supplements or plug-in diffusers that release comforting, anxiety-reducing scents.”
