Spring cleaning? Vet explains how to keep your dog calm – even around the hoover

As the seasons change, many UK households are preparing for a deep spring clean – but for dog owners, this annual refresh can come with unexpected challenges, as loud noises, unfamiliar scents, and disrupted routines can leave pets feeling anxious.

This is especially true if your pet fears the vacuum cleaner. As a very common issue dog owners face, a Statista study* confirmed that for over 1 in 4 (28%) dog owners, the vacuum cleaner was their dog’s worst fear – second only to fireworks. 

This Pet Anxiety Month, Jimmy Bratley, Veterinary Practitioner at Adaptil, has provided insights into how those embarking on a spring clean this year can do so without causing unnecessary stress for their pet.

Why are dogs scared of vacuum cleaners?

Dogs can hear different frequencies than humans, so what might sound normal to us can sound sharper and louder to canine ears.

So when your dog is having a calm time at home and is used to the regular sounds of the house, it can be a big surprise when a very loud vacuum cleaner, which isn’t an everyday sound, springs into action. Even more confusing, this very loud, unusual thing will seem to run around their safe, quiet home – and is being pushed around by a person they trust.

The sounds, movement, and unexpected nature of vacuuming can cause dogs to become uncertain, fearful, and even territorial toward the vacuum cleaner, and as a result, you may see nervous or stressed tendencies and behaviours.

Steps to help a dog who is afraid of the vacuum cleaner

1. Help them adjust gradually with exposure training

Start by placing the vacuum in the room, without turning it on. Then bring your dog into the room and let them explore around the vacuum in their own time.

If they are immediately spooked by the sight of the vacuum, try distracting them with play, and encouraging them to focus on you. You may need to repeat this multiple times until you get a calm reaction.

2. Reward positive behaviour

If you reward your dog each time they react in a positive way around the vacuum, they will start to develop a positive association with it. So while training, make sure your dog knows that when they see the vacuum, there is a treat to be had. 

3. Allow them to slowly adjust to the vacuum cleaner moving

For many dogs, seeing the vacuum move around can cause concern – or be mistaken as a chase game. With the vacuum still off and silent, have a friend slowly move the vacuum short distances in the room, while you reassure your pet. Give your pooch a few treats for staying calm (not reacting fearfully or chasing) when the vacuum is moving, and slowly increase the movement and closeness to your pet over time. Never chase the dog with the vacuum.

4. Work to introduce both together

The final step is to combine the sound of the vacuum cleaner with the movement of cleaning.

• Start by switching between noise and movement – before you combine them, with the vacuum off, move it around, then stop. Next, while the vacuum is still, switch it on so your dog can hear the noise.
• Once your dog is comfortable with both, try turning the vacuum on, and moving it a short distance.
• Gradually work with your pet to increase the amount of time the vacuum is on, and the distance you move it.

If your dog doesn’t like the vacuum at all, you can always move them elsewhere while you clean. Try to train your pet to the stage where they can be calm in another room while the vacuum is on. Distracting them with toys, or muffling the sound with the radio or television may also help. 

Of course, if your dog experiences extreme anxiety, it’s always best to seek the advice of your vet.

Dogs have a very acute sense of hearing and can hear someone walking up your path before they even knock on the door, or hear a car door close outside and know that someone is visiting. This is great, particularly if they help deter unwanted visitors, but some noisy things such as appliances – washing machines, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners (hoovers) – can cause a stronger reaction from your dog, like barking, shaking or even hiding as if they are scared.

If your dog is afraid of the vacuum cleaner, they may start barking incessantly, drooling, crouching down, retreating, or even trying to attack the vacuum cleaner in an effort to defend themselves. Unfortunately, this can worsen over time if you don’t take action to help your dog adjust to the noise your vacuum cleaner makes.