We begin with an assessment of what your dog is doing during thunderstorms. Dogs who are scared of thunder or storms may show their anxieties in a variety of ways. “Fear-conditioned startle” is a laboratory test used … Distract Your Dog. Learn how to relieve your dog of his or her thunder related anxiety. The treatment for a fear of storms is a little tricky as this will vary in each individual case. It is one of the most common fears that affect dogs. By using the tips and strategies above, you can help your dog feel more at ease and teach them that their home is their safe place. In this case, the child's phobia should be addressed, for it may become a serious problem in adulthood. Treating Fear of Storms and Fireworks in Dogs. Five years ago, one got more afraid of storms, the other didn’t. Beyond the specific actions that you can do for a dog that gets scared when a storm starts, it’s important that you try to reverse the situation. They develop from fears, which might have a potential survival benefit (e.g. Astraphobia is the technical term for this: the fear of thunder and lightning. That's why we see dogs behaving restlessly, trying to hide from the storm – they're trying to get away from the static electricity caused by thunderstorms. There are ways you can comfort your dog during thunderstorms (or other sources of fear and anxiety). Try playing music or white noise to drown out the noise. Your vet may prescribe an anti-anxiety medication like Trazodone or Sileo that can be given at the first sign of a storm. A veterinary behaviorist can help you establish a desensitization or conditioning program. Because thunderstorm phobia is likely to become worse over time, it is important to take action when you first notice the signs. 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. Though it can be easy to spot the signs of your dog being anxious and fearful of an oncoming storm, the reasons why dogs are afraid of thunderstorms is much more complicated. 774 Maleta Lane Storm Music for Dogs! Fear of thunderstorms and other noise sensitivities are becoming quite prevalent in dogs and the fact that it is so common is not surprising. (One block North of Founders Parkway) Counter conditioning. However, if your dog shows no other signs of canine noise aversion or separation anxiety — it’s very likely the static electricity that’s making them nervous. That said, dogs over a year old are more likely to suffer from it. Fear of thunderstorms is a common phobia in dogs. You are the best person to get your dog through the storm so quiet petting will help both of you weather the storm. Required fields are marked *, Veterinary Specialists of the Rockies It’s even easier for static to build up in larger dogs and those with double or long coats. She is also the founder of The Vetitud, a site for veterinary professionals. Posted Jun 24, 2016 But that doesn't mean you have to sit back and watch them struggle on their own. Whatever the cause, thunderstorm anxiety can be tough on a dog. Their fear of thunder and lightning cannot be considered a fully developed phobia unless it persists for more than six months. This … Storms, however, are at the discretion of Mother Nature—there’s no planning for it! In fact, your dog might even start associating that fear with other, parallel noises — such as the sound of rain. But to treat the problem, you must first understand the causes of dog anxiety. They can often be triggered by something innocuous, e.g. Dogs who are extremely afraid of storms can sense the storm coming and even before the first sound of thunder begin to panic. Behavior, Pet Services . Dog thunderstorm anxiety is a disorder characterized by a persistent and exaggerated fear of storms, or the stimuli that are associated with storms. 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. However, based on what we do know about dogs, we can speculate. In fact, you might need to have an antianxiety medication prescribed to your dog by your veterinarian. Though vets aren’t sure what all the triggers are, they do suspect that a full-blown storm phobia is caused by some combination of barometric pressure changes, static electricity, wind, thunder, lightning, and low-frequency rumbles that come ahead of a storm. Probably, evolutionary history primes organisms to learn to fear things that can harm them. It is unknown why some pets become afraid of noises; it is a common problem in dogs, but less so in cats. How are fireworks or thunderstorm fears and phobias treated? The loud noises, static electricity, and barometric pressure changes cause fear, anxiety, and panic. Dogs develop fear responses for a number of reasons. A noise phobia can be the primary reason that your dog is afraid of storms, or it could just be one of several factors that add up to your furry friend having a phobia. While counter-conditioning could be the fix, desensitization is also an option. Giving them CBD may be the answer. The storm phobic one & the indifferent one are the same age, and have exactly the same exposure to noises etc. Dogs with thunderstorm phobia become extremely frantic and overwhelmed with fear during storms. Because you are a comfort to your pet (as they are a comfort to you) your presence during troubling times, such as thunderstorms, can be especially important. It is not uncommon for dogs with thunderstorm phobia to urinate and/or defecate inappropriately. Find out what causes thunderstorm phobia in dogs and learn how to manag… Though separation anxiety is a very different sort of issue from thunderstorm phobia, it can exacerbate the issue. To lessen a child's fear during thunderstorms, the child can be distracted by games and activities. A noise phobia can be the primary reason that your dog is afraid of storms, or it could just be one of several factors that add up to your furry friend having a phobia. 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. While I am always pleased when rain falls on the ranch, Buddy, our senior Border collie, doesn’t see it quite the same way. 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. This could be a stuffed animal, a chew toy, or a rawhide bone. Not a lot is known or understood about noise phobias in dogs. In the winter, desensitize your dog to the sounds of a storm. There are some dogs who have an extreme fear of storms. Preventing and Treating Thunderstorm Phobia, How to Handle Your Dog Being Aggressive During Nail Clippings, 11 Tips to Soothe Your Pet's Fireworks, Thunder, and Noise Phobias, Fireworks and Thunderstorms - Tips for Coping with Loud Noise Phobias. Many dogs have different types of noise phobias, from fireworks and gunfire to thunderstorms. Luckily there are ways to keep your scared dog relaxed. L-Theanine Calms Dogs During Thunderstorms. Do not wait to address the phobia until it is very severe—it will be that much harder to reverse. Telltale signs of anxiety and fear can begin long before the storm arrives, so take note of signs that occur during normal weather. This phobia is complicated and sometimes difficult to manage because it involves physiologic, emotional and behavioral components. Dr. Dodman, along with Nicole Cottam and James C. Ha, tested the effectiveness of this product with dogs who experience a thunderstorm phobia. My current pack of three contains of two unafraid and one VERY afraid dog. Dogs with noise phobias appear to chain events together and, over time, start to show signs of fear even before a storm. Talk to your primary veterinarian about potential treatments, including herbal therapies such as Rescue Remedy. Fireworks, loud music, construction sounds, and anything else above a normal volume can put them on edge. Dogs with thunderstorm phobia may become extremely frantic and overwhelmed with fear during storms. Shockingly, the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might assume. To battle your dog’s fear of thunderstorms, it’s best to tackle the issue from all sides. What causes fear of storms and other noises? Buspirone is typically prescribed to help dogs who … Distract Your Dog from The Storm with this Calming Music! 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! Your email address will not be published. Get our FREE training guide when you sign up for the Spruce Pets newsletter. 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. Thunderstorms are a source of stress and anxiety in many dogs. If you can control thunderstorms, a lot of dog behavior folks would love to hear from you. University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Distract your dog from the fearful behavior. The first step is the simplest, which is allowing your pet to decide where it feels the safest when a storm rolls into town. Providing your dog with some type of distraction is also beneficial to dogs during … Dogs also detect changes in barometric pressure. Many dogs go missing during storms or fireworks. Act now for the sake of your dog. In most cases, prescription medication is very successful in conjunction with desensitization or conditioning. A fear becomes a phobia when it is out of proportion to the danger of actual threat. A crate with a soft bed inside and covered with a heavy blanket might make your dog feel safer. That said, you shouldn’t be reaching for the medicine cabinet — so to speak — as your first, second, or even third attempt to help your furry friend battle his or her fear of thunderstorms. The extremely loud noise can be perceived as a threat, which can in turn manifest as anxiety. Dr. Smith is part of The Spruce Pets' veterinary review board. If your dog does calm down and stops reacting to the storm, respond with calm praise and rewards. But that doesn't mean you have to sit back and watch them struggle on their own. These possibilities include canine noise aversion, separation anxiety, and — the real shocker — static electricity. Dog thunderstorm anxiety is a disorder characterized by a persistent and exaggerated fear of storms, or the stimuli that are associated with storms. Not to state this too strongly, but the … Unfortunately, the fear of storms and other causes of loud noises can worsen with regular exposure. Why Do Dogs Hate Thunderstorms? If your dog seems anxious, hyperactive, destructive or reclusive during storms, you are probably dealing with thunderstorm phobia. If your dog is afraid of thunderstorms, I highly recommend taking a look at this research study. Instead of feeling frightened, we want him to feel relaxed before, during, and after a thunderstorm. Fear of Thunderstorms: Further Reading Recommendations Dodman, Dr. Nicholas. If your dog’s worst nightmare comes true, and he or she is actually struck by lightning, bring them to an emergency vet immediately — even if they are miraculously standing afterward.Have other questions around a specific dog or cat issue? There are probably multiple reasons for thunderstorm phobia, and the reasons vary from dog to dog. Astraphobia is the technical term for this: the fear of thunder and lightning. However, by taking into account the possible causes from canine noise aversion to static electricity, it’s possible to do what you need to protect your furry friend and lessen his or her anxiety about the oncoming storm. Counter-conditioning involves training your dog to perform positive behaviors instead of being fearful. Dogs with severe thunderstorm phobia will need the help of a professional. • 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. By using the tips and strategies above, you can help your dog feel more at ease and teach them that their home is their safe place. So, why are dogs afraid of thunderstorms? Buddy is on the right. Resolving the fear of storms in dogs. Essential Oil Safety For Dogs. Though limited, there are a few options for addressing fear of thunderstorms behaviorally. Others may have full-blown panic attacks, digging at doors and windows, eliminating inside the house, or even chewing … Consider trying a CD like Through a Dog's Ear. Fear of thunderstorms is common because of the noise of the thunder along with the pounding of rain on the roof. Your email address will not be published. Why? Don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian or an animal behavior specialist.. Many dogs have noise sensitivities, and storms aren’t the only triggers. They will be able to advise you on what the best course of action is, including the possibility of anti-anxiety medication or canine noise aversion drugs. A dog's senses are very sensitive. 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.”. If your dog shows separation anxiety, fear of storms, or aggression, there are solutions that may help. But then some have a sudden exacerbation of their fear a few years later for no apparent reason. There are three likely culprits that answer the question: why are dogs afraid of thunderstorms? Begin by playing the sounds quietly, and then gradually increase the sound over time. A 24/7 emergency veterinary hospital in Castle Rock, CO. Come spring, many dog parents find themselves asking: why are dogs afraid of thunderstorms? Another helpful way to address your dog’s fear of thunderstorms is by playing recordings of thunderstorms. The fear can soon become a phobia, which is defined as a persistent, excessive, and irrational fear response. Get in touch and we’ll do our best to help you out! Thunderstorm phobia occurs in both dogs and cats, but dogs are more susceptible to this type of fear. A dog who suffers from a fear of thunderstorms may begin to display anxious behavior long before the thunder begins. Many dogs will pace, pant, or quietly whine. Thunderstorm phobia or anxiety in dogs is a fairly common and very real problem for many dogs. The Anxiety Wrap is designed to use acupressure and gentle, constant, maintained pressure to relieve stress and anxiety. According to Terry Curtis, a clinical behaviorist at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, other symptoms of an anxious dog are “ears back, tails down, eyes wide, panting, lip-licking, and yawning.”. “If owners don’t understand what’s going through the dog’s mind,” Ms. Anderson said, “they shout and throw them in the basement. And today I’ll share one great tool to have in your toolbox … essential oils. Many dogs have noise sensitivities, and storms aren’t the only triggers. Category Archives: Dogs fear of storms. Why Dogs Fear Storms. We become a team to help your dog find the calm in the storm. Castle Rock, CO 80108, © 2021 Veterinary Specialists of the Rockies, LLC. If you have a dog with thunder anxiety or phobia, you should prepare ahead of time. Many dogs suffer from noise phobia, and the thunder is just one of several frightening noises (others include fireworks, gunshots, etc). First, counterconditioning and desensitization largely depend on avoiding random exposures to the scary thing. Together with the suggestions presented in this article, along with lots of patience and persistence, you can calm and defuse your dog’s fear of storms. It might not be at all apparent what creates the fear in the first place. The Root of the Behavior First of all, the basics—storms are loud. However, it turns out that at least 40 percent of all dogs experience noise anxiety. Occasionally exposing your GSD to the sounds of thunderstorms may help to combat fear and anxiety experienced during real storms. Fear of thunderstorms and other noise sensitivities are becoming quite prevalent in dogs and the fact that it is so common is not surprising. Owners who see their dogs experiencing this fear usually feel helpless and frustrated. A dog who suffers from a fear of thunderstorms may begin to display anxious behavior long before the thunder begins. There are several options available to the pet parent to help ease their dog’s anxiety. Comforting your pet is totally okay, and does not encourage bad behavior. Don't Make Your Dog “Wait it Out” While Rodrigo is sleeping now, the Ewegurt doesn't last 24 hours, … First of all, never leave your dog outside during storms. Changes in barometric pressure and humidity can affect your dog's senses and possibly even cause discomfort in the ears. The Challenges of Treating Your Dog’s Thunderstorm Fear. This phobia is complicated and sometimes difficult to manage because it involves physiologic, emotional and behavioral components. A recent study on Hungarian Vizslas for example showed that castrated dogs were significantly more likely to develop a fear of storms. with storm phobias, it can be a change in barometric pressure, or gusts of leaves being blown around as the storm approaches, or small rain showers. Basically, this condition occurs when your dog is hyper-attached to you and gets seriously stressed when you’re not around. If your dog is afraid of thunderstorms, he or she may try to hide, whine, pant, or even attempt to escape the house by chewing or pawing at doors or walls. A fear of fireworks is also common in dogs that are afraid of thunder. I’ve been successfully using this amino acid in the past to reduce fear and anxiety in dogs, and humans too. Owners who see their dogs experiencing this fear usually feel helpless and frustrated. Weathering The Storm Perhaps you know the drill: A flash of lightning, a clap of thunder, and your normally calm dog is off whining and wildly searching for a hiding place. The escape to a different place where there is less noise is a way of reducing the fear. The most obvious reason is due to the loud noise of the thunder. One thing you can try is to provide a comfortable hiding place in the quietest part of your home. Storm Fear/Phobia. What causes a dog to have a fear of thunderstorms? WebMD explores the topic with expert Victoria Stilwell. Beaumont has been petrified of storms and would hide in the house and shake and quiver for hours. There are some things you can do to prevent your dog from reacting adversely to the triggers of thunderstorms or at least minimize the reaction. Many people owning dogs are yet to understand what results to this behavior. Other dogs will hide, frozen with fear. If only they could tell us what was going on! Many dogs have different types of noise phobias, from fireworks and gunfire to thunderstorms. Fear of thunderstorms is a particularly difficult issue to treat, since there are so many factors involved when it storms. | Privacy Policy | Sitemap. ... not many of postcards. Give your dog a "sacrifice" item during the storm. It can get to the point where they are fearful just from rain. If your dog seems anxious as you prepare to leave, is destructive while you’re gone, or absolutely thrilled when you get home, he or she may have separation anxiety. Because these areas are grounded, there is less of a threat of static electricity zapping your poor pup. According to one study, about one-third of dogs have anxiety, and thunderstorms are at the top of the list of anxiety-inducing situations. This is why the severity of the signs of your dog’s fear and anxiety about a storm will often increase throughout the summer and year over year. Dogs develop fear responses for a number of reasons. With thunderstorms, two factors may undermine success. A phobia is an exaggerated or irrational fear of something that causes a reaction in an individual—physically or emotionally. Your dog may have never had a traumatizing experience with thunder but you will discover this fear in him. To be fair, storms are big, intense, and complicated weather occurrences. If that’s not helping, or if you simply want to do more, buy your dog an anti-static jacket. It can be quite disturbing to see your dog in such obvious discomfort and feel powerless to help. Not every dog is afraid of thunderstorms, but for those that are, it’s seriously scary. Dogs also detect changes in barometric pressure. There is no way to know for certain what causes a dog to become afraid of thunderstorms. Thunderstorm phobia or anxiety in dogs is a fairly common and very real problem for many dogs. Consider distracting your dog from the remainder of the storm by practicing basic commands or playing a game of tug-of-war. They often go through windows and doors and sustain injuries in the process. it is good to fear snakes). In addition, using Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) in the "safe place" might also help. Finally, genetic make-up may be a contributing factor to fear of thunderstorms, or even the sole cause. Another possible reason for thunderstorm phobia is association with a traumatic experience. Some dogs seem to be afraid of the loud noise of thunder, while others seem to be picking up on barometric pressure changes that signal an oncoming storm. The signs are usually quite obvious, so you probably already know your dog is phobic of storms. Removing it by neutering a dog, either surgically, or chemically with implants, may induce nervousness. Anxious dogs … Why are dogs afraid of storms, though? However, the cause of fear may not be limited to noise. 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. Animal behaviorists call this reaction “storm anxiety” or “noise phobia.” And while it’s pretty common in … If your dog has a static build up in its coat, he or she might get a mildly uncomfortable shock to their sensitive nose if they touch it against metal. • First, do not ignore your dog during storms. Stop your dog from being frightened during a storm with these 5 steps. Dogs diagnosed with storm phobia can react with anxiety or fear to wind, rain, thunder, lightning, and other associated stimuli, including barometric pressure changes, the “smell of rain,” static electricity, and even time of day. One of the ways that you can help your dog learn to not be so anxious during … After the storm passed, Wrigley quaked for hours. That just makes it worse.” Countless other noises set off dogs: jackhammers, lawn mowers, coffee grinders. A “safe” area to escape to when a storm is coming through may be the best option for many pet parents. Likewise, dogs may have once been caught in a storm that frightened them, or they may have learned from another dog to be anxious during storms, or both. Dogs were behaviorally quite normal, other than their very specific fear of storms, acoustic. Fix, though storms mean a little tricky as this will vary in individual! Become afraid of noises ; it is one of the Spruce Pets ' review! When a storm with this Calming music though many dog owners shy from... Distracting your dog from the storm arrives, so take note of signs that occur normal! Could include adding white-noise to drown out the thunder or storms may show their anxieties a... 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