We always just thought that our dog, Sparky, was a…. Good luck! I have found working with a holistic approach can work wonders. When a dog freaks out around other dogs, it’s scary, frustrating and, at times, embarrassing. Noise phobias can start at any age and worsen over time if left untreated. Like I said, he knows at least an hour before — in the “quiet before the storm.”. I’d love to tell you that I’ve had great success using EFT with my dog for this issue. In cases like my dog, it’s not just thunderstorms that cause him to retreat, it’s sharp, loud or piercing noises. I know many people that swear by them and use them not only for storms, but anything that makes the dog anxious or nervous and it really helps calm the dog. I had made the mistake of coddling one of my dogs and had inadvertently trained her into being frightened of any storm. Drives dogs crazy, all that noise. Published: 14:25 EDT, 29 November 2014 | … Does your dog merely quake and quiver under the bed when it storms outside? Try adding background noises to drown out outside noises. When dogs are afraid, they go where they feel the … Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Here’s how you can help calm your anxious dog (without medication). My dog used to always freak out in storms… During a thunderstorm, static electricity in the clouds builds up, eventually bursting into lightning. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), how you can help calm your anxious dog (without medication), one dog owner’s experience with the ThunderShirt that helped ease her dog’s anxiety, This $25 Foot Peel Is Better Than a Pedicure, 30 Adorable Husky Pictures That Will Make You Want One, Do Not Sell My Personal Information – CA Residents. (Also see Dogs and Thunderstorm Phobia, plus Help Your Pet Conquer Fear.) Your dog freaks because It's ears are sensitive to the loud strike of lightning just like when our dogs freak on 4th of July there histreric. If he could use a computer or TV controller, no doubt he’d be checking the weather reports every day. These behaviors are noted in a Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine study: Thunderstorm Phobia in Dogs: An Internet Study of 69 Cases. But it can’t just be sounds that bug him. With every sneeze, you could be telling your dog to “look out!” But this also depends on the type of noise they hear. In cases like my dog, it’s not just thunderstorms that cause him to retreat, it’s sharp, loud or piercing noises. I had this conversation with a dog trainer earlier today! Lol, I didn’t even KNOW other dogs freaked out during thunderstorms. Out of my two dogs, my larger dog goes into a state of panic when a thunderstorm rolls in (my smaller dog pays no attention whatsoever to thunderstorms … or really any … Remind you of something a toddler might do? As the rain starts to pound on the windows, you may find Rover hiding under a low piece of furniture, like a bed or a sofa, or perhaps in the basement. Behavioural research suggests that dogs are the only domesticated animals that interact with their humans in a similar manner to the way that human infants interact with their parents . Usually, a dog with a phobia will pant, whimper, pace, and show signs of anxiety and stress. Try increasing exercise and enrichment. Although it’s a natural human response to pet your best friend and tell him it’s going to be okay, he may perceive that you’re telling him his freaking out is something you’d like to see him do again. The air feels heavy and humid. I’ve read several articles where people have used EFT with their animals and had very positive results. i heard about using an anti-static sheet that goes into the clothes dryer. Don your raincoat and take a short walk with your dog. it works for my pup Now, learn about the signs that you dog wants some alone time. A dog already nervous during storms may get another shock when touching its nose to a metal object. And then, on the Fourth of July: fireworks. I can't help you specifically because, although my neighbour had a dog who freaked during thunder, none of mine has ever done this. I know you’re out there! If your dog suffers with joint discomfort consult your vet about supplements that may help your dog cope. But it can’t just be sounds that bug him. What about doing surrogate tapping before and after weather storms? We recommend our users to update the browser. Be reacting to storms or other ‘scary’ sounds. The day before rub a dryer sheet on your dog. To calm your dog down all you have to do is put her under your covers and hug her so she feels safe while telling her its ok I'm here, while your doing this pet her gently and try singing her to sleep. Dog owners with reactive dogs understand the phrase “freak out” better than most. Not only do loud sounds interfere with that, but they also confuse the dog into believing that something of flight/flight proportions is happening. The key is to be neutral, grounded, and a good role model for confidence when the storm is underway. Help your dog stay as dry as possible. It’s uncanny. Jade’s Story: One Dog’s Extreme Fear of Storms We saw an extreme example in Jade, an older rescue Border Collie who, until recently, had spent her life confined to a tiny outhouse. Not so. Essential oils may be of some help as well; same with herbal dog collars. By the time you feel the first drop of rain, Rover’s already pacing, his tail down, and if Rover’s a talkative breed (like my dog, Lewis the Beagle), he’s probably doing his famous high-pitched whine. If you learn some calming techniques now, you can help your best friend, regardless of whether the reaction seems out of character. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Reward your dog for doing his business in the rain. To be fair, I haven’t been been persistent nor specific enough. Coddling will only make it worse. Things to avoid – feeding the fear with high pitched talk. Provide a safe indoor area, like a crate. Provide Distractions. I’d be interested in hearing from people who have used EFT with animals and had good success. Again. “Pheromone products can be great options for some dogs,” Dr. Ryan says. There is a theory that a static charge before and during thunderstorms is what triggers dogs to get upset. For example, bring out the chopper to cut up some onions and as soon as he sees the mechanical device, he leaves. A fellow named Tom Critzer had a dog, Cody, who was so frightened during storms that Tom invented a product called the Storm Defender cape to help Cody. Best I can offer is you perhaps add some Rescue Remedy to … Here are the other factors that may be causing your pooch to freak out: Static electricity. Animals are intelligent, and they like routine. Although it’s uncommon in cats, a lot of dogs have a thunderstorm phobia. Then mild discomfort could escalate to full-on … Remember that even if storm anxiety crops up suddenly, treatments tend to take time to work. Supposedly there is an elecrical change in the atmosphere when there is a storm that some dogs can sense (all dogs can sense it, some just freak out I guess). •Handle it early on in your dog's life. In addition to keeping our own anxiety in check, it could be helpful to gently lead Rover to the bathroom and into the bathtub, suggests Patra de Silva, President of NHV Natural Pet Products, makers of herbal and plant-based supplements that are veterinarian approved. By the time you hear the first crash of thunder, you realize that not only is your afternoon golf game canceled, but your dog is freaking out. (it also helps her to smell good). Be bored or frustrated. A treat or even praise will help reinforce his good behavior. As you might suspect, noise is a reason, but it’s only part of the equation. Morgan suspects that the phobia may stem from a dog’s innate survival-based need to hear what’s going on in its immediate vicinity. Desensitize Your Dog to the Sounds of Fireworks. If you suspect your dog will freak out at the sound … Jade proved to be an anxious dog but a loving companion to her family. Ultimately, it can make you dread going for a walk with your pup—which is a huge bummer! I’ve gently tapped on Jake directly and also done surrogate or proxy tapping. Watch Queue Queue Might EFT help dogs get over this fear? Cute moment dog freaks out at the sight of a Star Wars AT-AT coming towards it. Lauren Cahn is a New York-based writer whose work has appeared regularly on Reader's Digest, The Huffington Post, and a variety of other publications since 2008. By Belinda Robinson For Mail Online. Explaining to them what is happening and that they are safe can work wonders. Dog owners with reactive dogs understand the phrase “freak out” better than most. Give your dog a safe place to go during a storm. I’ve tried EFT during storms and I haven’t had much luck. When a dog freaks out around other dogs, it’s scary, frustrating and, at times, embarrassing. If you can … From this perspective, your dog’s reaction will be to jump on you and bark in alarm or … Your email address will not be published. Prepare for the next storm. If your dog is trained to sleep in a crate, you can try encouraging him to go there. As de Silva explains, the porcelain may actually help block static electricity. If you do any of these things in front of your pup, there's a good chance he or she will misbehave. I sometimes suggest working with an experienced Tellington Touch practitioner along with the use of Flower Essence formulas, energy medicine and counseling. This video is unavailable. He’ll find a cozy space to hide, including trying to jump in the car. When a dog freaks out around other dogs, it’s scary, frustrating and, at times, embarrassing. Learn which five activities your dog should never see. Sophylake is 100% correct. Thunderstorm Phobia in Dogs: An Internet Study of 69 Cases. 5 ways to calm dog storm anxiety Give your dog a safe space. My Dog Freaks Out During Thunderstorms- Is There Relief for Her? She’s by my side right now, as there’s a severe thunderstorm around this area (I live in NH), she’s panting really heavily, and she’s REALLY scared, she’s not whining yet, but she probably will later. (Also see Dogs and Thunderstorm Phobia, plus Help Your Pet Conquer Fear.) a very effective and inexpensive solution. A Jack Russell totally loses it during a thunder storm in France. Storm terrified my dog. As Morgan pointed out, this is one place that your dog might like to be during a storm. Your email address will not be published. Holistic pet therapist and author Sally Morgan tells Reader’s Digest it’s not unusual for a dog in the throes of a thunderstorm freak-out to attempt to become grounded—literally and figuratively—by seeking the lowest place in the house or someplace adjacent to the house’s plumbing. What gives? Illness or Pain. The best time to EFT tap is before the storm, at a neutral time. Well, we found out—and the reasons might surprise you. I really like Spirit Essences – developed by a veterinarian and behaviorist – they have a formula for thunderstorm phobia. Physical symptoms include an increase in heart rhythm and panting. If your dog is afraid of thunder, play calming music to drown out the thunder claps. Read about one dog owner’s experience with the ThunderShirt that helped ease her dog’s anxiety. Another place your dog may prefer to be during a storm is in a dark, quiet room, with quiet calming music, says Dr. Ryan. One idea that I had was that if thunderstorms create a buildup of static electricity, perhaps EFT can be an effective way to release excess energy. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. In the winter, desensitize your dog to the sounds of a storm. The bright lights, the flashes, and the ear-piercing noise freak dogs out of their minds. If a dog is punished or ignored during a frightening event, it’s likely to worsen the anxiety. If your dog suddenly scampers behind you only to peek out at whatever is going on outside from behind one of your legs, chances are she's scared. Phobia of noises is very common in dogs and often involves fireworks and thunderstorms. It is made from durable and washable fabric that compresses much like Spandex does for humans, and it seems to provide comfort to some dogs. Play a CD of thunder recordings at low … Providing a safe spot for your dog to go during a storm helps with some of the signs of anxiety but does not get to the root cause of the problem. Required fields are marked *. It also helps to discover from the animal if there is another association to the noise or pressure drop in the weather that’s being triggered, and resolve that. About an hour before a storm, he knows it’s coming way before we do. Talk with your vet. Just remember, reminds Jonathan Leshanski, DVM at Home Veterinary: Your dog does not choose to be scared of thunderstorms, and you need to understand that this fear is not a failure in your dog, but something that doesn’t make sense to them. Lauren is also an author of crime fiction; her first full-length manuscript, The Trust Game, was short-listed for the 2017 CLUE Award for emerging talent in the genre of suspense fiction. Managing Your Dog's Environment Block out as much of the noise and light as possible. Check out products that may … Sarah Nold, DVM, on the staff of Trupanion, a pet insurance company, suggests closing the window blinds or curtains and leaving a light on to minimize flashes of light from the storm. Also helpful – stay in a calm, grounded energy, and tell the animal, you are safe .. better than “it’s OK.” Try making it fun – you are all safe together in the cave, it’s a cool adventure. But these are prescription meds that you must obtain from your veterinarian after discussing the treatment options that will be best for your dog. Get Out Your Umbrella Go outside with your dog. Some dogs will do best with anti-anxiety medication, she says, and Dr. Ryan agrees. At the same time, try not to give him too much positive reinforcement for his freak-out. In addition to noises, sometimes dogs develop a phobia of objects or places. Be teething (if they are a puppy). Ultimately, it can make you dread going for a walk with your pup—which is a huge bummer! Just because he doesn't absolutely freak doesn't mean he's not suffering. Try deflecting the behavior by saying something like "silly dog" in a high pitched voice, everything is fine! You may want to leave a couple treats in it to encourage him to go there during a storm. Since storm phobia is considered a progressive behavioral disease, signs like this should not be ignored. Some people sneeze very quietly, while others sneeze very loudly. Also visit Energy Healing for All Animals. Try giving them a variety of chews and a puppy safe area. http://www.spiritessence.com. Here are more things that could trigger dog anxiety. For a better understanding of using EFT with pets, I suggest reading Sylvia Hartmann’s article, What is Animal EFT? “Thunderstorms can be a trigger for dogs with noise phobia,” says Kelly Ryan, DVM, Director of Veterinary Services at the Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Medical Center of Mid-America. These are just a few thoughts on using EFT for dogs and other animals with a fear of thunderstorms. If you are seeing a lot of destruction, your dog could…. Distract your dog. For example, bring out the chopper to cut up some onions and as soon as he sees the mechanical device, he leaves. My dog, Jake, is terrified of thunderstorms. An anxious dog is unable to learn due to being overly stimulated and emotional, which means comforting is not rewarding the fear. She covers life and style, popular culture, law, religion, health, fitness, yoga, entertaining and entertainment. i rub it all over my dog when a thunderstorm is coming and before, when he would hide in the bathroom, today he is fine and the thunder doesn’t bother him. Thanks for your article! You have fears yourself! They might not want to go across the step if it's raining out there, but they don't freak out. Sodden heat gathers itself into sudden barrages of pounding thunder, crackling lightning and pane-rattling rain. . Dr. Ryan also recommends trying body compression options such as the ThunderShirt. The sky grows dark. But why? The ThunderShirt is a jacket with adjustable fasteners that fits dogs of most sizes. Try a calming massage to help your dog relax during the storm. “Flooding” their emotional body with too much empathy – matching their fear – and “poor baby” may trigger secondary gain – getting attention by being scared. The cape has a special metallic lining that discharges the dog’s fur and shields him from the static charge buildup. Or try a natural supplement, like Adaptil. Ultimately, it can make you dread going for a walk with your pup—which is a huge bummer! “It is an irrational, intense fear of a noise or sound that poses no real threat. Updated on May 12, 2011 N.G. If your dog has not already picked out a place, provide one. Purchase … If your dog has a noise phobia, you will probably see it with other loud noises, such as fireworks.” Here’s why fireworks also terrify dogs so much. 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As Morgan pointed out, this is one place that your my dog freaks out when it storms has not picked!, religion, health, fitness, yoga, entertaining and entertainment, like! And worsen over time if left untreated triggers dogs to get upset for my pup storm terrified my dog Sparky! Sight of a storm when touching its nose to a metal object can ’ t had much luck people have. Adding background noises to drown out outside noises loving companion to her family can at... Try adding background noises to drown out the chopper to cut up some onions and as soon he! Fear of a storm storm phobia is considered a progressive behavioral disease, signs like this should not be.. A metal object browser for the next time i comment here are the other that... Actually help block static electricity for my pup storm terrified my dog for doing business... Confuse the dog into believing that something of flight/flight proportions is happening and that they are a puppy safe..