Why Does My Dog Hate The Bug Zapper | Even More Than The Vacuum Cleaner!

Bug zappers are nifty little gadgets that zap all kinds of bugs. Living in Australia, you have to have one of these devices!

Dogs are usually unaffected, but some just hate the sound of the bug zapper. This might make them super anxious. Let’s have a look into why your fur babies may not like the bug zapper and how to help them through panic attacks.

Table of Contents

Why Is My Dog Afraid Of The Bug Zapper- How Does It Work?

Bug zappers are especially important, as we’re battling the Japanese encephalitis disease. These devices work by electrocuting the bugs that are lured into them. An ultraviolet light bulb is in an electrical wire mesh grid, where the bugs are killed. This whole system is behind a grounded mental cage or protective plastic.

You find yourself asking, why are bugs attracted to UV light?

Well, the flower patterns that bugs are used to are shown in UV light. When they see this, they go into the space between the mesh grids. The bug completes the electric circuit, which makes the voltage travel and electrocutes the bug.

This makes a ‘zap’ noise, which frightens your unsuspecting dog.

UV lights also have a very high frequency. We may not hear the noise, however, your dog can. Dogs have 18 muscles in their ear, which is thrice like a human ear! The high pitch noise can cause your dog to have a panic attack and be constantly nervous.

Your dog has probably just noticed your bug weapon, or you moved it to a location where they commonly play or sleep. Even if the zapper doesn’t zap, they may be frightened of the bright light.

Puppies are usually more nervous and scared of things than your older dogs. They’re still learning and investigating stuff so that the high-pitched noise can be too intense for them. Older dogs will also be nervous, but their hearing is 50-50, so they might not even bother!

How Can I Tell If My Dog Is Having A Panic Attack?

Sometimes, as soon as your bug zapper makes a noise or when your fur friend spots it, they may have a panic attack. This is how people experience panic attacks, which is a sudden feeling of intense fear.

Our puppies can’t tell us what’s wrong, but you can notice the signs of panic, such as:

Pacing
Sudden panting
Looking for a spot to hide
Jumping at you
Trying to get your attention frantically
Digging in your closet

Older dogs may start vomiting, have immediate diarrhea, or urinate. It’s important to know these signs and how to deal with them. Don’t punish your dog! They cannot control their feelings towards the bug zapper and their response.

Your little one may like to be dog-soothed when experiencing anxiety. Have a safe space away from the zapper so they can calm down. Play calming classical music, and make sure no other pets or people come in.

What Can I Do To Prevent My Dog From Fearing The Bug Zapper?

You can’t exactly get rid of the bug zapper as uninvited visitors may become permanent residents at your home.

You shouldn’t toss your bug zapper outside if you don’t have a rainproof porch. Direct rain on an electric device can be dangerous. If you decide to leave it outside, make sure it’s unplugged.

You can condition your dog to the bug zapper with two methods:

Have the bug zapper off most of the time. Gradually build up the time it is switched on for. First for 5 minutes, then for 10 minutes, etc. Associate these timeframes with things your dog likes, favourite toy, treats, and other rewards.
If you cannot switch the bug zapper off because of the area you’re living in, then you can praise your dog each time it zaps. Give them a treat and give them all the pets. Do this for an increasing time each night, then slowly wean them off treats as they get tolerant.

If the bug zapper scares your dog or makes them uncomfortable, these methods will not work. I advise you to put the bug zapper far away from where your pet stays or use repellent if the big situation isn’t that bad.

Always comfort your dog and be aware of their feelings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I leave my bug zapper on all day?

The most efficient way to use your bug zapper is to leave it on 24/7. With this, you are breaking down the insect breeding cycle. If you cannot do this, you can run the bug zapper from dusk to dawn or during peak mosquito time.

How far away should a bug zapper be?

The bug zapper should be 2 meters away from where you relax and 1.5 meters high. It should be placed at an awning or outside the balcony. Don’t put the bug zapper above your table, pool, or heat source.