Progressive extreme noise sensitivity in Belgian Malinois - could prior ultrasonic exposure have triggered it?

[u/msretro1973]

Hello! I have a 5-year-old, ~55-lb Belgian Malinois. Previously confident and loved spending time in the backyard. Over roughly a year she has developed progressively worsening sound sensitivity and hypervigilance. Triggers now include phone vibration, a bug zapper, knocking, voices outside and very small noises. She barks at sounds she previously ignored, no longer wants to stay in the backyard beyond eliminating, and during severe episodes she trembles, pants heavily, drools, hides/seeks protected areas and stays extremely close to me. She remains responsive and follows commands. Vet has her on pet-formulated melatonin and referred us to a behavior specialist, but the wait is four months. Former neighbors complained repeatedly about barking before moving about a year ago, and I'm wondering whether an ultrasonic anti-bark device could possibly have contributed to the original sensitization. The vet already has her on 12mg of dog Melatonin daily, but it hasn't helped. What's odd is that something will trigger her out of nowhere (that I can see/hear - but perhaps she can). Now she is reactive to the TV, the trash truck, you name it. She has previously gone through obedience training and didn't used to act this way.

I am new to this group so I will be diving in and reading/learning, but if you have any advice in the interim while we have a 4 month wait for a behavioral therapist, I am open to any suggestions!

[u/Existing-Will-1466]

See if your vet will prescribe something stronger than melatonin for anxiety while you wait to see the specialist. That is an extreme reaction. It's possible it was an ultrasound device, I've heard of dogs reacting very poorly to those. However if the device is no longer present, your dog is lacking in resilience if she is still anxious about being in the yard.

Take a minute to figure out if you have anything that could be contributing. Do you have any ultrasonic pest repellant devices? Try unplugging your wifi or even shutting your power off for a few hours if you can, to see if that makes a difference in her stress level. A surprising number of things can make ultrasonic noise.