Why are dogs scared of vacuum cleaners?

We've all seen it. The vacuum cleaner comes out, and your dog starts acting like the world is ending. It's a common fear for dogs - from traditional vacuums to robotic ones, dogs seem to have a natural fear of the cleaner.

But if it's becoming a problem, and you're struggling with your dog's behaviour around the vacuum, don't worry: there are solutions.

Here, we discuss why dogs fear vacuums, what to do with a dog that's scared of it and when to get help.

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Why are dogs scared of vacuum cleaners?

Vacuums have a mix of stimuli that most dogs don't like:

Air

Dogs don't like warm, blowing air as it irritates them. They see this action as a form of aggression, which leads them to act defensively and scared.

High-frequency, loud noises  

Loud, high-frequency sounds irritate dogs and make them scared, so naturally, a vacuum is going to be most dog's enemy.

Lack of "socialisation" with the vacuum

Not introducing a vacuum to a dog early on and in a positive way can lead to fear around it later in life. It sounds odd to say, but you need to "socialise" your puppy with the vacuum during their socialisation stage.

Owner's behaviour

Sometimes, the dog isn't scared of the vacuum; they could react to the owner being rushed or stressed when vacuuming.

Negative experiences

A dog who has had negative experiences around a vacuum, like being chased by one, will dislike them more.

Strong scent

Strong scents can cause dogs to be on guard, and a vacuum tends to blow out a lot of hot air, which carries smells with it, especially when you consider a dog's strong nose.

For example, a vacuum can carry lots of cleaning product debris and dust, which can irritate a dog's nose.

Unpredictability

Vacuums can be too unpredictable for a dog: they can bump into things, make random noises and appear out of nowhere.

How to know if a dog is scared of a vacuum

Signs that your dog is fearful of the vacuum include:

• Aggression towards the vacuum, like attacking

• Barking or growling at the vacuum

• Cowering

• Excessive drooling

• Excessive panting

• Flattened ears

• Freezing

• Hiding

• Nervousness

• Pacing

• Running away

• Trembling

• Tucked tail

• Yawning

How to help a dog overcome vacuum fear

It depends on why your dog's scared. Generally, you should follow a positive reinforcement training plan. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Create a safe space for your dog

When facing something they're scared of, it's important that your dog has somewhere safe to retreat.

Create a safe space, full of your dog's favourite toys and somewhere to get comfy, when training them to calm down around the vacuum.

Gradually desensitise them to the vacuum

Introduce the vacuum to them gradually. Don't throw them in the deep end; introduce it slowly, and reward your pup when they're calm.

To desensitise them, we recommend:

1. Putting the vacuum cleaner in the same room as your dog but having it turned off. Reward your dog when they're calm.

2. Move the vacuum closer to your dog, but don't turn it on. Reward your dog when they're calm.

3. Once your dog is comfortable with it turned off, move the vacuum to another room and switch it on. Over time, decrease the distance between the machine and your dog. Reward calm behaviour.

4. Eventually, vacuum in the same room, and increase the time you vacuum for gradually. Again, reward your dog when they're calm.

Positively reinforce calm behaviour

Positive reinforcement training works for numerous behavioural issues. You positively reward your dog when they perform a desired behaviour (in this case acting calm around a vacuum), and ignore them when they don't perform what you want.

Never punish your dog for not performing something you want them to. It doesn't work, and it harms them.

Use vacuums strategically

If your dog can't get over their fear, you can try to just use vacuums strategically. For example, let's say a dog is scared of a robot vacuum. You could start by running it in a room your dog isn't in, or waiting until your dog is out for a walk with a family member.

Slight anxiety and fear towards a vacuum isn't a problem; you only really need to take steps when it gets severe.

Of course, if possible, you can try alternative cleaning methods.

Can a dog's vacuum fear be a sign of a deeper issue?

It can, but it's normally nothing to worry about.

You should see if your dog has an extreme reaction to a vacuum and has one or more of these behavioural symptoms:

• Aggression towards any foreign objects or people

• General signs of dog anxiety, like hiding and trembling

• Strong reactions to general noise

Anxiety, chronic stress or a phobia could cause your dog to have these strong reactions, so it's essential you see a behaviourist or vet if you're concerned.

Our guide on how to manage reactive behaviour in dogs can help.

Should you be worried? When to seek help

Most of the time, you don't need to worry. A lot of dogs are scared of vacuums, and it's natural a dog will be cautious or fearful around one.

But if desensitisation and positive reinforcement training don't work, and the fear is considered extreme, then please see a behaviourist or vet.

It may be a sign of a deeper issue, like anxiety, hearing problems and stress, and they will need professional help to treat it.

Our Complete Care dog insurance plan can help with vet-referred behavioural treatment, and all our plans provide 24/7 video vet access. 

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