If you’re a loving dog owner, you want your dog to be as comfortable as possible. For that reason, you might find it stressful or difficult to see when they are afraid of your bug zapper.
Though a bug zapper is useful, it can cause some dogs distress. We’re going to answer your question of why your dog is afraid of your bug zapper and offer up some solutions to make sure that both you and your dog remain happy and healthy.
Table of contents
What do bug zappers do?
In order to understand why your dog might be afraid of your bug zapper, you first want to have an understanding of what exactly bug zappers do and how they work. Bug zappers are commonly referred to as electric insect killers, mosquito traps, or ultraviolet insect traps.
These devices work by luring insects with a light source and then finishing them off with an electrical discharge. The lightbulb is usually a fluorescent lamp that gives off both visible light and ultraviolet light. The types of insects that are most attracted to this kind of light are flying insects, such as mosquitoes.
When these insects fly into the device, they come into contact with an electrical grid. This electrical grid is usually made up of two wires that are charged with a high voltage. The high voltage will then cause an electric current to flow through the insect’s body which will ultimately kill it.
Though bug zappers are designed to be deadly for insects, they are not harmful to people or animals. That being said, the loud sound that is emitted when an insect is electrocuted can be startling for some animals, which might be why your dog is afraid of the bug zapper.
Reasons for fear of bug zapper
Now that we know how a bug zapper works, it’s much easier for us to guess why exactly our dogs might be afraid of these well-intentioned devices. Here are some possible reasons for why your dog might be very hesitant or even scared to be around your bug zapper.
Bright sights
As we mentioned before, bug zappers use a bright light to lure in insects. This bright light can also be disruptive for some animals, including dogs. If your dog is afraid of the bug zapper, it’s possible that they are just trying to avoid the bright light.
Loud sounds
In addition to the bright light, bug zappers also make a loud sound when they electrocute an insect. This sound can be startling or even painful for some animals, which is why your dog might be trying to stay as far away from the bug zapper as possible.
Strange smells
When a bug is electrocuted by a bug zapper, it usually emits a strange smell. This smell might be unpleasant for your dog, which is why they are trying to avoid the bug zapper.
Solutions for dogs that are afraid of zappers
You love your dog but you want your zapper to stick around. No problem! There are some solutions that you can pursue to allow your dog and your zapper to live in harmony. It’s important to remember to be patient when introducing your dog to the zapper.
Keep the zapper off for most of the time.
One solution is to keep the zapper off most of the time. This will allow your dog to get used to the zapper being in the room without it being a constant source of fear or anxiety. You can gradually increase the amount of time that you have the zapper on as your dog becomes more comfortable with it.
Praise and reward your dog when zapper goes off
Another solution is to praise and reward your dog whenever the zapper goes off. This will help them associate the zapper with something positive instead of something negative. Try to give your dog their favorite treat or toy whenever they remain calm while the zapper is on.
Give your dog a safe space
It’s also important to give your dog a safe space away from the zapper. This will allow them to have a place to go if they ever feel scared or overwhelmed. Their safe space should be somewhere that they feel comfortable and relaxed, such as their bed or crate.
Common questions
Can a bug zapper hurt a dog?
No, a bug zapper cannot hurt a dog. Bug zappers are designed to kill insects, not animals. However, the loud sound and bright light can be startling or even painful for some animals, which is why your dog might be afraid of the bug zapper.
Are bug zappers safe for pets?
Yes, bug zappers are safe for pets. They are not harmful to animals or people. That being said, the loud sound and bright light can be disruptive for some animals, so it’s important to give your pet a safe space away from the zapper.
Can bug zappers cause panic attacks in dogs?
Yes, bug zappers can cause panic attacks in dogs. The loud sound and bright light can be overwhelming for some animals, which might cause them to have a panic attack. If your dog is having a panic attack, it’s important to remain calm and soothing. You can also give them a safe space to help them relax. It may be necessary to see a veterinarian.
Here are some of the telltale signs of a panic attack in dogs:
- Panting
- Trembling
- Ears back
- Tail between legs
- Hiding
- Cowering
Recognizing these signals is important and if your dog is displaying anxious behavior around zappers, you should be on the lookout for these behaviors.
Let’s recap
Dogs might be afraid of bug zappers because of the bright light, loud sound, or strange smell. If your dog is having trouble getting along with the zapper, you should pursue a solution that will allow your dog to live in harmony. With this knowledge, you will be equipped to do so!
