Thunderstorms

[ToBScholarly]

Our pet-sitting service sent this out in an email. Most of it is not new information, even for me, but a couple of things I bolded are things I had never heard before. Thoughts?

I’ve had a few clients call to ask if I knew any cures to prevent or treat a pet that has a fear of rain or thunderstorms. If your pet has this problem, read on.

Any dog can develop a fear of thunderstorms, but herding breeds seem more susceptible to developing noise phobias. Age is another risk factor: Dogs who are afraid of thunderstorms can become more distressed with each successive season, so it’s smart to start working with your dog as soon as you notice his fearful behavior. If your adult dog has suddenly become afraid of storms, please start with a visit to your vet. A sick dog may become more sensitive to sounds, and no amount of behavior modification will help if your dog’s fear is medically based.

Try the following strategies to reduce your dog’s anxiety during storms. For dogs with mild thunderstorm phobia, these tricks may get rid of the problem entirely.

• Let your dog take refuge inside. Storms aren’t as loud and scary with four walls around you! Bringing your dog into the house also ensures that he won’t try to escape from the yard.

• A client gave me the tip to put a T-Shirt on the dog when a storm is coming. This calms the nerves and gives the pet a feeling of security.

• Having some human company often calms panicked dogs. If your calm, quiet touch brings him comfort or if he comes to you for security, it’s perfectly fine to pet and reassure him.

• Try turning on some calming music, a TV or radio, or a fan to muffle storm noises. Shutting the drapes may help if lightning also frightens your dog.

• More active distractions may help, too. See if your dog will eat from a food-filled toy, such as a stuffed Kong <http://aspcabehavior.org/articles/76/How-to-Stuff-a-KONG-Toy.aspx> , scatter treats in the house for him to find, or try playing tug or fetch with his favorite toy.

• Rescue Remedy is a natural product you can purchase at a health food store. Rescue Remedy is for us big people but dogs can benefit from it too. And, it’s natural and safe.

If your dog’s quality of life is seriously impaired by thunderstorms, consider speaking with a vet about anti-anxiety medication <http://aspcabehavior.org/articles/47/Behavioral-Medications-for-Dogs-.aspx> . Medication can enhance the effectiveness of other efforts to help your dog cope with his fear.


Fran

[ALDOGMOM]

I knew that about the herding breeds....Goldens are known to be terribly thunder phobic as well..
Thunder phobia is the primary reason I did not pursue getting an Aussie (a red merle was offered to me) after Charlotte died.
The storms here are so strong - the last few summers with her were absolutely miserable for both of us.
I know much more about thunder phobia now...I did so many things wrong with Charlotte at the beginning...I would do things so much differently now with another dog...
I also think her thunder phobia got worse with age because her hearing and sight became more impaired making the storms much more frightening to her.

I tried the shirt, rescue-remedy, classical music, anti-anxiety meds...Nothing really worked with her...

[Moni]

Except for Tenchi and Gyrl, all my guys have been herding breeds. Luckily Faust was the only one that was really scared of Thunderstorms. Though I can understand that herding breeds are usually more high strung and in tune with minute details which could cause the higher incidences of thunderphobia. Definitely not fun for the pup or owner to battle.