This phobia is complicated and sometimes difficult to manage because it involves physiologic, emotional and behavioral components. If left unaddressed, a dog’s fear of storms can lead to other worrisome behaviors, such as scratching, digging, destroying furniture, or having accidents in the house. In fact, those nasty little shocks might explain why your dog takes off for the basement or another enclosed space in your home when a storm is coming, as these places are grounded. Why Dogs Fear Storms. The reality is that thunderstorms literally charge the air with electricity, making it easier for static buildup to occur in the coat of your furry friend. Some dogs benefit from a type of wrap, like the Thundershirt that is believed to provide some comfort during times of anxiety, stress, and fear because it releases endorphins. Learn how to manage your dog's fear during this frightening storm… Some dogs will need to be on longer-term medications that are given daily to keep anxiety under control. There are probably multiple reasons for thunderstorm phobia, and the reasons vary from dog to dog. Castle Rock, CO 80108, © 2021 Veterinary Specialists of the Rockies, LLC. Jenna Stregowski, RVT, has more than 20 years of experience working in veterinary medicine and has been writing about pet care for the last decade. Storms; Fireworks; Block parties or street fairs; More people out and about; Kids in the park ; Strangers at your house for a barbecue … it’s not surprising some dogs get a little stressed! Enter your cell phone number and directions will be texted to you. Their fear of thunder and lightning cannot be considered a fully developed phobia unless it persists for more than six months. The loud noises, static electricity, and barometric pressure changes cause fear, anxiety, and panic. Fear Thunderstorm Phobia in Dogs When storm phobia reeks havoc with your dog's sanity, it's time to act! Consider distracting your dog from the remainder of the storm by practicing basic commands or playing a game of tug-of-war. Buspirone is typically prescribed to help dogs who … We become a team to help your dog find the calm in the storm. They can cause some dogs to pant, pace, whine, tremble, hide, or become clingy. If you have a dog with thunder anxiety or phobia, you should prepare ahead of time. Fear of Thunderstorms: Further Reading Recommendations Dodman, Dr. Nicholas. A dog who suffers from a fear of thunderstorms may begin to display anxious behavior long before the thunder begins. They develop from fears, which might have a potential survival benefit (e.g. Not to state this too strongly, but the … This could include adding white-noise to drown out the thunder, or acoustic tiling for soundproofing. Many dogs have noise sensitivities, and storms aren’t the only triggers. Dogs develop fear responses for a number of reasons. It’s even easier for static to build up in larger dogs and those with double or long coats. If your dog is experiencing behavior problems or showing signs of thunderstorm or noise phobia, it’s best to consult your veterinarian. Dogs with thunderstorm phobia become extremely frantic and overwhelmed with fear during storms. How are fireworks or thunderstorm fears and phobias treated? You should be on the watch to notice when your dog is … This is often not an easy fix, though. Dogs also detect changes in barometric pressure. Play a CD of thunder recordings at low … Kristen Collins, a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, explains, “Some dogs simply seem more sensitive and susceptible to developing a fear of noises, and this susceptibility may indicate a genetic predisposition toward the problem.”. Animals on the ranch, Border collies, dogs, Dogs fear of storms April 2, 2017 Comments: 2. Nonetheless, setting aside everything you’re doing and focusing on training your dog when a thunderstorm is approaching can make a huge difference over time. Too often, the fear of thunderstorms shows up as a result of a drop in barometric pressure, dark clouds, and the crash of thunder arrive on the horizon. Rain on the roof of the house, bright flashes of light or even the drop in air pressure before a storm may be enough to trigger an anxious response. Giving them CBD may be the answer. That said, dogs over a year old are more likely to suffer from it. • It may be helpful with puppies and young dogs to try to do pleasant things with them during storms in an effort to prevent fear from developing. The most obvious reason is due to the loud noise of the thunder. Thunderstorm phobias can send dogs hiding under their beds or cowering and shaking.. Dogs with severe thunderstorm phobia will need the help of a professional. I’ve got one storm phobic dog, one who has learnt to fear storms from that dog and one who (crossed fingers) hasn’t learnt yet. Unfortunately, depending on what factors cause your dog’s fear of thunderstorms, it can be difficult to provide controlled exposure. Dogs that eventually become phobic often show fear of storms in the first year or two of life, but this fear is mild to moderate in intensity. Talk to your primary veterinarian about potential treatments, including herbal therapies such as Rescue Remedy. A “safe” area to escape to when a storm is coming through may be the best option for many pet parents. However, it turns out that at least 40 percent of all dogs experience noise anxiety. A 24/7 emergency veterinary hospital in Castle Rock, CO. Come spring, many dog parents find themselves asking: why are dogs afraid of thunderstorms? Signs are usually quite obvious, so you probably already know your dog the... 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