DTE Answers to Common Questions About Cats and Dogs. Part 014 by Nene Ajayi

 

🎈"I Never Thought I’d See a Dog Run From Balloons…"

But Mine Do, Especially When They Pop!

It was my son, Tolu’s birthday, and the house was pure chaos, but in a good way.

Balloons of all shapes and colors floated in the air, danced on the tiled floor, and clung to furniture like friendly ghosts.

 We had cake, party hats, uninvited neighbor kids (hello, Chinedu’s twins), and at least three times more sugar than recommended by any parenting guide.

Blaze and Raya were in the corner at first, suspicious but quiet.  Our cat, Stu, had already claimed the cake table as her throne, judging everyone from her frosted perch.

Then it happened.

One pink balloon popped near Blaze’s tail.

 Raya saw it. Blaze felt it. Both screamed, yes, screamed, and took off like wild goats on caffeine.

I blinked.

The kids laughed.

My husband dropped his drink.

And Stu? Stu shook her head like, “I warned you. Balloons are demons.”

Why Do Dogs Run From Balloons, and Is It Something to Worry About? I wondered.

Yes, they look cute when they freak out, but is it a sign of trauma? Anxiety? Do we have to stop throwing parties altogether? I surely hope not!

🧠 Did You Know?

Balloons produce high-frequency sounds and static charges that most dogs find disturbing. When a balloon pops, it mimics a sudden threat — like thunder or gunshots — triggering your pet’s flight-or-fight instincts.

And dogs? Most prefer flight.

 Basenjis like Raya, especially, are sound-sensitive by nature.

 Even cats, though smug, don't enjoy random loudness. (Don’t let Stu’s poker face fool you.)

📋 What I Know Now

⭐ Dogs don't just hate the sound of popping,  they dread the anticipation of it.

⭐ Balloons build static. Pets feel it in their fur and whiskers.

⭐ Loud parties + overstimulation = anxious, jumpy pets.

⭐ Trauma isn’t always dramatic. One bad balloon day can create lasting fear.

🔁 What I Now Practice

✍️ No Balloons Indoors – Only used in the yard or tied up high.

✍️ Safe Zone Setup – Blankets, treats, and space away from chaos.

✍️ Desensitization – Occasionally playing popping sounds at low volume during chill time.

✍️ Noise-reducing Calming Collars – Game-changer.

✍️ Stu gets cake frosting privileges – Not related but insisted upon.

📌 What to Take Seriously

🔹Don’t brush off their fear as “cute.”

 🔹Over time, repeated loud noises can lead to noise phobia, pacing, chewing, hiding, and even aggression.

 🔹Dogs remember the sound and how they felt. Protect their peace.

🛍️ Helpful Links for Calm Celebrations

🛒 Pet Calming Diffuser Kit – Perfect for party days.

🛒 Noise Cancelling Ear Wraps for Dogs – Yes, it exists, and yes, it’s adorable.

🛒 Dog Anxiety Relief Chews – Natural, vet-approved.

🛒 Birthday Dog Toy Set (No Balloons) – Party fun without trauma.

🎈 How the Balloon Fiasco Ended

Eventually, we calmed Blaze and Raya with boiled chicken and belly rubs.

 We moved the balloons to the backyard, where Chinedu’s twins popped them all with aggressive joy.

 Stu got her frosting. My husband poured himself another drink.

 The kids still tell the story of "The Day the Dogs Lost Their Minds."

 And honestly… it’s now part of family legend.

✨ Final Thoughts 

Your pets aren’t weird, they’re just honest.

 If balloons scare them, it’s not about being spoiled or silly, it’s about safety and survival.

 Respect it. Adjust the party. Let them breathe easy.

🔜 Next Blog Topic:

 "Potty Training Pets. The Puddles. The Poop. The Perseverance. "

😂 Affiliate Disclosure (from Raya’s POV):

“Every time you click a link, my mom earns a teeny bit. It helps her buy me non-exploding toys. Do click wisely and generously.” – Raya the Basenji

If you haven't been following our Paws, Kids & Plantain saga, find all of it here.

Until next time,

Keep your loud noises to yourself. Dogs can hear EVERYTHING.

 Nene Ajayi ✌️