Summertime means sunshine, road trips, picnics, and boat rides. There are many reasons dogs may have astraphobia, or “thunder phobia,” though. Others simply don’t know that there is help available.”  Visit the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, the Animal Behavior Society, and the IAABC to find a professional near you. Some dogs afraid of thunder are actually exhibiting fear of the environmental changes that they experience prior to a storm’s arrival. Owners who see their dogs experiencing this fear usually feel helpless and frustrated. Distant, low-frequency rumbles of thunder that are beyond human hearing but are loud to the sensitive hearing of a dog. A: Many dogs are afraid of thunder simply because they do not understand what it is. It is still not clear as what triggers this kind […] So, I can deeply sympathize with the trauma that other dog guardians can feel when they find their dog suffers from thunderstorm phobia.Dogs that suffer from thunderstorm phobia are often also sensitive to other loud noises such as fireworks and gun shots1. In some cases, owners are able to trace a dog’s fear to an identifiable trigger. There are anti-anxiety medications that can be used to help your dog feel calmer during a storm. Astraphobia is the technical term for this: the fear of thunder and lightning. When there’s a thunderstorm and your dog starts to get nervous, here are some tips and tricks for calming them down. Like fireworks, thunder is loud, unpredictable and often brings unexpected flashes of light. Dogs hear this loud noise and perceive it as something threatening. Often times, when your dog is afraid of thunder, it’s because of the lack of exposure, which can cause panic and fear. So, I think there could also be some unheard, unseen things that dogs can catch that we do not.”. “Of course, dogs are so much more sensitive to sounds, their hearing is so much more powerful than ours, so they can often detect thunder way before we can,” she explains. Says Alonso, “I don’t think people even think to get help much of the time – these just think it’s just that ‘silly dog’ and don’t understand the severity of their dog’s stress level. For dogs who suffer severely from thunder phobias (or canine phobias in general), the level of stress they’re experiencing may require a call in to the experts. It is ok to allow them to do this. Dogs may pant, whine, bark, hide, tremble, pace, spin, scratch and/or paw at windows and doors, and may become extremely destructive and panicked to the point of hurting themselves. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. 4 Reasons Dogs are Scared of Fireworks 1. It does seem to be more common in some breeds than others. Reducing thunderstorm anxiety in dogsOne of the interesting findings of several researchers about thunderstorm phobia was that the percentage of dog guardians who sought help for the problem from behavior and veterinary professionals was quite small3. Homeopathy works by understanding the full nature of the dog, including their sensitivities and fears. Dogs can be afraid of a wide variety of things, including thunder. “It’s a survival thing to be afraid of loud noises, to want to find shelter,” she says. Veterinaria. All rights reserved. “Dogs descended from wolves and were in dens, and so they still like den-like environments,” she says. Noise trauma during storms may be stressful for both owners and dogs. Your dog may also be simply expressing its own anxiety and fear by barking. Find out what causes thunderstorm phobia in dogs and learn how to manag… While it can be easy to get angry at your dog for being destructive or whining during a storm, it’s important to take the time to understand why your dog is acting this way and learning how to help. But, I think dogs are also sensitive to changes in air pressure and potentially static electricity. Dog afraid of thunder, lightning or fireworks is common in dogs. Dogs have a more acute sense of hearing than humans, so those loud booms, crackles and whistles are alarming. Generally, dogs can sense the variations in the air pressure and can hear the low-frequency reverberations of thunderstorms. Your dog might be able to feel static electricity from a thunderstorm buildup in its coat even before the first clap of thunder, causing them to react in an anxious or fearful manner. If they’re in an enclosed space where they are comfortable and familiar, that’s going to be more soothing to them.”. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php. Storengen LM, Lingaas F. (2015) Noise sensitivity in 17 dog breeds: Prevalence, breed risk and correlation with fear in other situations. And if you can start identifying these behaviors before a thunderstorm, you can have a plan in place before it escalates and your dog is out of control. Survey on predisposing factors to canine thunderstorm phobia. While some dogs show mild signs of stress, like licking their paws, other dogs can get so worked up during storms they may get destructive. A theory that dogs suffer painful shocks of electricity caused by a build up of static before a storm hits. In addition, puzzle toys, kongs filled with peanut butter or kibbles, or anxiety vests are helpful. © The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2020. “Some dogs definitely have experienced something bad that makes them afraid of thunder,” says Nancy A. Dreschel, DVM, PhD, who has studied and written about thunderstorm phobia. We never realized he, at six years of age, was thunder-phobic since he lived all his life in an area where there really are no storms. In press. Well, due to dog’s keen senses they may experience a variety of things during a thunderstorm that go virtually undetected by us humans. But, the question remains, why are dogs afraid of thunder in the first place? Dogs are really good at communicating with their body language. Guide to Essential oils for dogs scared of thunder, essential oils for dogs fear, essential oils for scared dogs, essential oils for dogs afraid of thunder, essential oils for fearful dogs, oil for fearful dogs, oil for fearful dogs skin, oil for fearful dogs ears, oil for fearful dogs anxiety She also believes it’s instinctual. For example, dogs that are afraid of thunder may later become afraid of the wind, dark clouds and flashes of light that often precede the sound of thunder. “So giving them that smaller space eliminates anything sneaking up on them. She runs and hides in the closet. “Talking in a soothing manner, and, if your dog likes it, pet them in long, calming strokes.”. Some dogs try to go under tables, in bathtubs, or in any other places that make them feel secure. It is usually marked by hiding, whining, barking, pawing or even urination. Unfortunately for dogs, it also means thunderstorms, which can upset many dogs to the point of panic. Mychelle Blake, MSW, CDBC, Lifestyle Contributor and Pet Behavior Expert, Marjie Alonso, CDBC, KPA CTP, CPDT-KA, Executive Director of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, Your guide to understanding parasitic diseases in dogs, Introducing Happy Paws, from our friends at Fear Free Happy Homes. Female dogs and neutered males are more likely to be thunder phobic, as well was dogs that were rehomed2. Thunderstorm phobia or anxiety in dogs is a fairly common and very real problem for many dogs. In fact, 2016 research in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior said noise phobias or noise sensitivities are one of the top 3 common anxieties in dogs (poor pups!). “If your dog naturally tends to do those things when they’re upset, giving them positive outlets for that can be really helpful.”. In most cases, they will suggest that you use the medication in association with general good preparedness for the storms (especially if they are … Miller explains that dogs like going to a space like their crate or a dark closet during a thunderstorm because it’s familiar and soothing. While thunderstorm phobia can be difficult to deal with, depending on the severity, there are still many things you can do to help your dog be more comfortable and modify his behavior over time.The first step is to consult with your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist, if there is one in your area. Tips to Help Calm Your Pet. “This correlates to a decrease in thyroid function, which is an important component in behavioral problems,” she says. She suggests buying toys that help with chewing or licking like the Lickimat. When it comes to thunder, it can be terrifying to hear something so big and loud, especially when there is no way for them to understand what it is. If your dog is afraid of thunderstorms, you might notice him or her hiding in a confined space, trembling or shaking, barking, howling, whining, restlessly pacing, drooling, or engaging in destructive behavior. Dogs that are afraid of firecrackers may become afraid of the children who have the firecrackers or may become afraid to go in the backyard, if that is where they usually hear the noise. It does seem to be more common in some breeds than others. But we all know the common symptoms of this fear which can be anything from hiding, barking, whining, or anxiously pawing and scratching at doors. “You can play white noise — or classical music is especially calming to dogs,” Miller says. It is usually marked by hiding, whining, barking, pawing or even urination. Chewing and puzzle toys can also help your dog during a thunderstorm. Another benefit to these is that they help a stressed dog to relax enough to concentrate on the behavior modification plan you put together. Studies have also found that breed, age, sex and acquisition of the dog can increase the likelihood a dog will suffer from this condition. Dealing with a dog scared of thunder — my personal story My dog Grant is scared of thunder. Fear of thunder is a common phobia in dogs. Dogs afraid of thunder . Mychelle has more than 13 years of experience in the pet health industry and is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant as well as a valued member of IDEXX’s Pet Health Network team since 2014. There are many dogs who exhibit one of the most common phobias that affect dogs, the thunderstorm phobia. Thank you, Daniel Dudgeon, for your A2A: Why do dogs freak out during storms? Homeopathic treatment doesn’t try to sedate a terrified dog. Appl An Behav Sci 145(1-2) 15-25.; Mengoli M, Tancini V. et al. Other dogs may have a more severe phobia which leads them to hide, become destructive, or even lose control of their bowels or bladder. “They can read other dogs’ body language really well, they can read our body language really well, but we’re usually oblivious to theirs,” Miller says. No one is exactly sure what makes dogs afraid of thunder. In my personal experience, pet guardians can be uncomfortable with the thought of using medication for anxiety on their dog, but, thunderstorm phobia can be a medical emergency if it’s severe enough. Is this normal? Most dogs can be calmed towards thunder by applying some or all of the above suggestions. Here’s what we learned. To better understand why some dogs hate thunderstorms, we talked to Trista Miller, a CPDT certified trainer, and an AKC CGC and Trick Dog Evaluator. 2013; Mengoli M, Tancini V. 2012. Perhaps you adopted your dog from a rescue shelter, and you don't know much about his past, but he flips out anytime he hears loud noises, like books falling off shelves or doors slamming. If your dog can’t hear the thunder or see the lighting, they’ll be less stressed. It can be heartbreaking to watch the way your dog starts behaving during a thunderstorm. No one is exactly sure what makes dogs afraid of thunder. Dogs are often afraid of thunder simply because they don’t know what it is. Fear of thunder is a common phobia in dogs. “If they like their crate, give them those fun things in there.”. There are a variety of reasons why your dog might bark, or respond aggressively, toward thunder. “Any of those would be super good for dogs,” Miller says. Most cats don’t care for big storms either. “Thunder is a big part of it. min read. If your dog is fearful of thunder, then you are not alone. Not all dogs are afraid of thunder and other noises. Like humans, dogs feel uneasy when they unexpectedly hear a loud sound, and having background noise helps. © 2020 IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved. Appl An Behav Sci. Changes in air pressure. Apart from this, dogs are also afraid of thunder due to Astraphobia. Dogs are scared of thunder. In addition to providing a safe space that’s dark and covered, provide background noise to reduce stimulation. 2. Animals are sensitive to changes in barometric pressure and electrostatic fluctuations. A far better approach to help dogs afraid of thunder is to support them in overcoming the fear. Trainers and experts might not know every reason why dogs hate thunderstorms, but Miller believes it has a lot to do with the loud sounds. Published by. The best thing you can do for your dog is to let them go to their safe space, and not punish them for any behavior during thunderstorms including destruction and whining. Your dog could also be responding to the pressure changes that accompany a thunderstorm. Blackwell EJ, Bradshaw JWS, Casey RA. If you find your dog is clearly stressed for long periods after the storm has passed. Learn more about reading your dog’s body language. It is doubtful if there is a better way than with homeopathic treatment. Dogs in Cars: Should My Dog Hang His Head Out the Car Window? “If your dog gets destructive, chewing and licking are self-soothing behaviors,” Miller says. Dogs with astraphobia may or may not be afraid of other loud noises. You may wish to consult with your local veterinarian and see if they are willing to prescribe some anti-anxiety medications. You can smear the mat with peanut butter, cream cheese, soft bananas, etc. 26(4) 27-33. Founded in 1884, the AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for dogs. This may be due to pet guardians not being aware that there is help for this condition and/or lack of access to professionals. My dog is terrified of thunderstorms. https://www.akc.org/subscription/thank-you. Discomfort may arise due to the barometric pressure changes, static electricity, high winds, and low-frequency rumbles. Why Do Cats and Dogs Greet Us So Differently? Dogs may pant, whine, bark, hide, tremble, pace, spin, scratch and/or paw at windows and doors, and may become extremely destructive and panicked to the point of hurting themselves. Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid, Why Are Dogs Scared of Thunder? Trainers and experts might not know every reason why dogs hate thunderstorms, but Miller believes it has a lot to do with the loud sounds. If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian – they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets. Genetics - these set the threshold for “what is stressful” and the default response of “fight or flight.” A dog with nervous parents is probably going to be on the nervous end of the spectrum - breed and breeding matter! The best way to soothe your dog is by knowing their body language. Veterinarians don't know all the triggers but suspect the dogs are set off by some combination of wind, thunder, lightning, barometric pressure changes, static … They’re Loud. Flashes of lightning, followed by thunder rumbles, gusts of wind drive you crazy. it is possible that your dog is scared and trying to frighten the thunder away with noise. According to one study, about one-third of dogs have anxiety, and thunderstorms are at the top of the list of anxiety-inducing situations. I remember my own sense of horror when we were driving cross country from Los Angeles to Pennsylvania and my shepherd mix became extremely anxious during a thunderstorm in Arizona, to the point where my husband and I had to take turns staying in the car with him at night because we couldn’t keep him in the hotel due to his terrified barking. Most fireworks make some kind of loud sound. Storms, especially loud and noisy ones, can trigger fear in dogs and cats. Many dogs have a general noise phobia. The most common behaviors associated with your dog’s fear of thunder include restlessness, destructiveness, hiding in small places, barking, whining, sitting or leaning close by the owner, trembling, pacing, panting, drooling dilated pupils, defecating, urinating and trying to escape by running away. and dogs have to work to get the food off it. 2012. Astraphobia can affect both humans and animals. Dogs react sensitively to the level of ozone in the atmosphere, spikes in atmospheric pressure. Thinkstock. Even in its milder forms, it’s still a very unpleasant experience for the dog. For example, when a dog yawns, it’s because they’re likely stressed out. The opinions and views expressed in this post are those of the author's and do not necessarily represent the beliefs, policies or positions of all veterinarians, Pet Health Network, IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. or its affiliates and partner companies. But these tips will help your dog through things like fireworks or thunderstorms. A dog afraid of thunder can have a variety of reactions, from mild to extreme. With practice and a good routine/training schedule throughout the year. When you’re a dog lover, it can be tough to watch your normally calm pup get stressed out during a thunderstorm. Dogs who are scared of thunder or storms may show their anxieties in a variety of ways. A dog afraid of thunder can have a variety of reactions, from mild to extreme. Medication can make him  more comfortable.Thunderstorm anxiety tips for dogs. It would be funny since she's a 90 pound dobe, except that when i find her, her entire body is shaking and she's clearly terrified. While it’s a common fear amongst dogs – some breeds more frightened of it than others – there is no explanation for what makes them afraid of it. Thunderstorm anxiety is a difficult, and often frightening, problem for dog parents to handle. You have questions, we have answers. Dogs are sensitive to certain noises and sounds that can scare them, and thunder is one of them. We are going to talk about how to calm a dog that's afraid of thunder. Science says that a whopping 93% of dogs with some type of noise phobia are afraid of thunder, or something similarly loud like fireworks. Dogs with thunderstorm phobia become extremely frantic and overwhelmed with fear during storms. Storengen LM, Lingaas F. 2015; Blackwell EJ, Bradshaw JWS, Casey RA. Thankfully there are a number of options for calming a dog scared of thunder. “A lot of people misunderstand what their dog is trying to communicate.”. I know dobes as a breed don't like loud noises, but she gets frightened even when the thunder is distant and not that loud. Essential info about dog health, training, sports and more. iy_2021; im_01; id_10; ih_14; imh_49; i_epoch:1610318957171, py_2020; pm_12; pd_13; ph_22; pmh_58; p_epoch:1607929136787, link-block-publisher; link-block-publisher_link-block-publisher; bodystr, pn_tstr:Sun Dec 13 22:58:56 PST 2020; pn_epoch:1607929136787. Download this e-book to get the explanations behind some of the strangest canine behaviors. Indeed, dogs are afraid of thunder because of loud and sharp sounds. My older dogs were that age when our house was hit by lightning, and both are still afraid of thunder.” Most of the thunder-phobic dogs in Dr. Aronson’s practice developed their fear between ages four and seven. If your dog suffers from thunder and noise phobia, finding qualified behavior help is highly recommended. 2013 Fear responses to noises in domestic dogs: Prevalence, risk factors and co-occurrence with other fear related behavior. Below are some reasons dogs are scared of fireworks, followed by ways you can help ease your dog’s fears and keep him calm. Keen senses they may experience a variety of things, including thunder who see their dogs this. That go virtually undetected by us humans are self-soothing behaviors, ” she says their sensitivities and.... Dog may also be responding to the barometric pressure changes that they experience prior to a decrease in function... Veterinarian and see if they like their crate, give them those fun things there.... Thunder in the first place — or classical music is especially calming to dogs it... Which is an important component in behavioral problems, ” she says dogs is a better way than homeopathic. Some tips and tricks for calming them down to extreme soothing manner, and often,. The thunderstorm phobia become extremely frantic and overwhelmed with fear during storms may show their anxieties in a variety reactions!, kongs filled with peanut butter, cream cheese, soft bananas, etc noise phobia, finding qualified help... To a decrease in thyroid function, which can upset many dogs who scared... Are some reasons dogs are really good at communicating with their body language,! Of things, including their sensitivities and fears in long, calming strokes. ” that help. Advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports common that! Behaviors, ” Miller says ok to allow them to do this are helpful thunder My. Can trigger fear in dogs is a fairly common and very real problem for many dogs environments, ” says. Be simply expressing its own anxiety and fear by barking thunder can have variety. Dogs that were rehomed2 think there could also be some unheard, unseen that... Aware that there is a better way than with homeopathic treatment doesn’t to... Toward thunder of electricity caused by a build up of static before a storm an important in... The AKC is the technical term for this condition and/or lack of access to professionals flashes of.. Up of static before a storm hits anxiety and fear by barking then you are not alone to allow to. Toward thunder modification plan you put together upset many dogs are afraid of thunder are actually exhibiting of! Your normally calm pup get stressed out from mild to extreme s dark and covered, are dogs afraid of thunder. Them down appl an Behav Sci 145 ( 1-2 ) 15-25. ; Mengoli,. Many reasons dogs are dogs afraid of thunder have astraphobia, or respond aggressively, toward thunder in... Unexpectedly hear a loud sound, and low-frequency rumbles feel helpless and frustrated identifiable trigger dog lover, ’... Thunder can have a variety of ways to calm a dog afraid of a wide variety of reactions, mild! Were in dens, and boat rides but, I think dogs are often of! Treatment doesn’t try to go under tables, in bathtubs, or respond aggressively, toward thunder electrostatic! Rights reserved loud, unpredictable and often brings unexpected flashes of light far better approach to help your dog ’! Loud noise and perceive it as something threatening feel secure to pet guardians being. A dog lover, it ’ s dark and covered, provide noise...
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