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Yes, you can help eliminate your dog’s thunderstorm anxiety

If your dog is shaking, quaking, barking or hiding during thunderstorms, you’re not alone. It’s a very common problem. The good news is — it doesn’t have to be a permanent problem.

Your veterinarian can help you explore the best options to help your frightened pet, and you may end up choosing one or more of the following treatments.

Try placing your dog in an area that blocks out the majority of the noise. Find the most “sound proof” room, without windows. Mute the storm noise by playing music, television, or sound machines, and also use blankets to muffle sound and light. Also make sure your dog has access to his crate, but with the door open to avoid a “trapped” feeling.

Distract your dog with a treat that will occupy him, such as kibble placed in a food-containing toy.

Ask your veterinarian about prescription medications. Most anti-anxiety medications are safe and can be a good addition to a storm phobia regimen. It’s best to try a “test dose” on a sunny day to see if your dog responds well.

You can also try a “wrap” that calms your dog the way “swaddling” calms a newborn baby. Some dogs respond well to “thunder jackets” and anxiety vests.
Pheromone diffusers can help. They plug into electrical outlets and intermittently disperse aerosolized pheromones. We use them in our hospital as an to make our patients feel comfortable.

Counter-conditioning can also be used to proactively alter thunder phobia. This is a type of training in which a dog is exposed to the storm sounds in a controlled environment. Pet owners may purchase recorded storm sounds on the Internet and play these in repeated sessions with gradual intensity, while sitting with him and petting him to keep him calm, and providing treats as positive reinforcement.

Talk with your veterinarian about these options. We’re sure you can find a solution so the next big storm is less traumatic for your pet… and you!

Written by LifeLearn/MyPetED.com.

Caution: These news items, written by LifeLearn Inc., are licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written permission of LifeLearn Inc. Please note that the news information presented here is NOT a substitute for a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by our clinic veterinarian.

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