Does Your Dog Freak Out During Thunder & Lightning Storms?
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How To Deal With Your Dog's Storm Phobias
Storm phobias are one of the most common behavioral problems dog owners face, but their cause is not entirely clear. Behaviorists are not yet sure what part of the storm frightens dogs most, whether they're reacting to lightning flashes, the sound of thunder, wind blowing around the house, or the sound of rain on the roof.
Fear of noises and thunderstorms is a common problem in dogs, but occurs less frequently in cats. Often the fear worsens with each exposure to the offending noise or storm and may quickly progress to a phobia. Phobias are exaggerated, irrational fear responses to a noxious stimulus Some dogs even start to pace and whine half an hour or more before a storm. They may be reacting to a sudden drop in air pressure or the electrical charge of the air. Although animal behaviorists have studied this problem for years, its root cause is not totally known. Complicating the issue is the fact that thunderstorm phobia can develop late in life, often manifesting itself for the first time at age 7 or 8 possibly because orthopedic dog beds for large dogs experience some sort of pain when the barometric pressure drops, like an arthritic human being experiences when a storm is on the way. Since there are many components to a storm (atmospheric changes, loud thunder, flashing lightning, hard rain pounding on the roof) it is hard to determine exactly what is frightening the dog.
Desensitization is exposure of the pet to the sounds of a fear-producing stimulus such as a CD recording of thunder or fireworks. Initially, the volume is low enough for the pet to hear, but not produce fear. The volume is gradually increased over time. Counter conditioning is playing with or giving the pet treats while the CD is playing. This produces a positive association between treats and the offensive noise. It is important for owners to refrain from giving treats, consoling or punishing the pet when fear behavior is being exhibited, this will only reinforce fearful behavior.
Other medications are given during the entire storm season. Your veterinarian can decide which medication or combination of medications is right for your pet.
Because many pets feel comfortable in small spaces, a crate or a bathroom can be used to create a safe haven. If using the bathroom leave the light on and run the fan to block outside noise. If using a crate, cover it with a blanket, line with a comfortable crate pad, and leave the door open. This technique provided the only relief for my dog Pax. Cats usually prefer a closet or drawer. The scent of lavender has been reported to reduce anxiety in humans and dogs. A diffuser in the bathroom or next to the crate may help. Noise and storm phobias are difficult disorders to treat and complete resolution is seldom obtained. But, the combination of behavior modification, medication, and creation of a safe haven will go a long way towards managing and easing the fear experienced by our pets.
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Yeah - great book! I heard that it's gonna be a movie starring Owen Wilson. Can't wait!
If you will criss cross an ace bandage around the dogs upper body during the storm this will eliminate the scared feeling that he/she gets and calms them down so they go thru the storm peacefully. Sorta like a security blanket. We had one in the kennel that would do nothing but howl when thunder would come around, really would freak out (an older German Shephard) and this worked great. First sign of thunder we would wrap him and he would lay still the whole time the storm was around.
THat's a neat idea, thanks for sharing!
OMG IT WAS A GREAT MOVIE
have a 12 year female dog, who is extremely desctructive during thunderstorms. she will chew anything, but mostly doors, windows, screens, door jams, drywall, just whatever, if you are home, fine, but if you are not. well welcome home to thousands of dollars of damage. this has been going on for many summers, and we have tried everything. any more suggestions are more than welcome. thanks, jean
I used to have a lab dog named rose, and unfortunately thunder storms were fatal for her. She started showing major issues when she turned about 7 or 8. We used to put her in a dog run during the storms, because she would hurt my other dogs, being so afraid. One day, I had just locked her up inside the run, and went back to watching some tv. My little rat terrier was sitting outside just barking and barking and barking at something, so my little sister went outside to yell at her. Well, my little sister started screaming, and I ran outside to see the dog had half dug half gnawed it's way out of the pen, but only got half way because she had turned her whole body upwards trying to get her head back out from under the gate, and choked her self to death. I just remember seeing her, with her mouth open and eyes blank and dead with the rain pouring on her, and every time the lightning would flash her, it looked like a horror scene. Scared me for life knowing I could have gone out sooner to help her and maybe save her life.
Get a Thundershirt (google the company) - i got one in desparation when my retriever started freaking out at age 7 during storms and now wind. Did terrible damage- dug through 6 + doors,scratched through carpeting and furniture next to doors, and molding around doors. Luckily all that was getting ripped out for a remodel but as new came in and the new carpet installed i was terrified if alone she would wreck it all... Heard about thundershirt and said what the heck- has $ back guarantee so had nothing to lose. We have used it for not quite a year when out and iffy weather approaching - no damage. At times when home and wind/pressure really bad she will still pant pace and whine but won't tunnel through the doors.
stephhicks68 Level 7 Commenter 4 years ago
You must have read the book about the dog Marley - that dog had terrible fears of thunder storms and literally chewed through the the walls, etc. How awful...! Great hub!