Do you find yourself hiding under the bed with your Wheaten during the rainy season? Now is a good time to start thinking about this and preparing since the rainy season will soon be upon us! Floridians can expect to see a Thunderstorm at the very least – 75 days a year!
Signs of thunder phobia can include: pacing, hiding, destructive behavior, panting, and can increase over time to full blown panic! Causes can vary and may have a genetic component, as thunder phobia is more common in herding breeds. The loud noises and bright lights are obvious reasons. Changes in barometric pressure and static electricity are also contributing factors.
How does one prevent the phobic reaction? It seems obvious, but never leave your dog outside alone during a storm. Take care with a puppy between 8-20 weeks of age who could be going through a critical fear stage. Exposure to traumatic events during these months can have long lasting effects. Make thunder and other loud noises a happy time for the puppy, with lots of praise and treat rewards coming their way.
Treatment for thunder phobia can include desensitization to loud noises done by initially playing them at a very low volume and gradually increasing it all the time rewarding calm behavior. Make sure your dog is successful by not advancing too rapidly. Rubbing dogs coat with an anti-static product such as a dryer sheet, has been found to be helpful for some dogs.
Be aware of your own behavior and make sure you are not exhibiting anxiety over the storm yourself. Don’t overly fuss over your dog if they are mildly anxious. Instead, try to engage them in training such as simple sits and downs and reward them for calm behavior. Basically, go about your normal routine. You can also make sure your dog has a place to go that makes them feel safe, such as a covered crate or a closet with their favorite blanket.
Aromatherapy with essential oils like Lavender or a calming blend can be helpful. You may remember this being used during our grooming workshop last September to help the model dogs relax. Also consider using a flower essence, such as Bach’s Rescue Remedy® (sold over the counter at most health food stores) which I have used for myself and my dogs for pre agility jitters. Calming music such as classical or iCalmPet® music may be just the trick to help your pup. And… don’t forget a simple massage.
My Wheaten, Ted, benefited by wearing a ThunderShirt®. He would still pant with it on, but stopped the pacing. The ThunderShirt® applies steady gentle comforting pressure, just like when one swaddles a baby. In an emergency, you can use an old t-shirt pulled back nice and snug around the dog’s upper body.
Other treatments for extreme thunder phobia may include medications such as the herb Melatonin or Xanax you get as a prescription from your Vet. It is important to know that not just one thing seems to help all dogs and some pups may need more than one remedy. But most of all, if you can, simply be there for your dog. Nothing will put them as much at ease as your presence.
Don’t be afraid to enlist the assistance of a Behavioral Vet or your Vet. Thunderstorm phobia usually will become worse over time, so do take action at the first sign of any symptoms!
by Susie Blackledge