Is Your Dog Afraid of Thunderstorms?

Summer can bring severe weather, and with all the thunderstorms we have had lately, we thought we would offer some helpful hints for those of you who have dogs that run for cover when it storms... (from http://www.aspca.org/ )

Any dog can develop a fear of thunderstorms, but herding breeds seem to be 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 suddenly seems afraid of storms, you should start with a visit to your vet to make sure the fear is not medically based.

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 inside and this ensures he won't try to escape from the yard.
• Having some human company often calms panicked dogs. If he comes to you for security, it's perfectly fine to pet and reassure him.
• Try turning on some calming music, a TV, a radio or a fan to muffle storm noises. Shutting the drapes may also help if lightning frightens your dog.
• More active distractions, such as a stuffed Kong, scattered treats throughout the house or playing tug/fetch may help as well.

If your dog's quality of life is seriously affected by his fear of thunderstorms, consider speaking with a vet about anti-anxiety medications. Additionally, there are a number of products on the market that may help your dog remain calm during storms, including close-fitting body wraps, noise-reducing headphones and herbal remedies.

For more information, please visit http://www.aspca.org/.