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Thunderstorms and Dogs
My city dogs seem pretty accustomed to loud noises. We have trucks, sirens, street sweepers, you name it–they don’t bat an eye at thunder claps. But recently at a meeting at Annie’s in the rural woods, a thunderstorm passed by, and her sweet dog Cleo started shaking as if she’d seen a ghost.
What it is about thunderstorms that has some dogs whimpering and aquiver? I consulted The Dog Behavior Answer Book by Arden Moore (Storey Publishing, 2006)–the same author who advised us on cats and houseguests earlier–to learn dogs and thunderstorms, here’s her insight:
Even before that first thunder boom or lightening flash, many dogs scurry into closets, crawl under beds, or leap into bathtubs. Some even try to dig through the carpet in a desperate attempt to hide, or crash through windows or doors to escape the terrifying noise. Fear of uncontrollable situations is a natural response in people and animals, but if fear worsens with repeated exposure to the stimuli, it can become a phobia. A phobia is defined as a fear that is out of proportion to the danger of the actual situation or event.
Without proper intervention, phobias escalate with repeated exposure to the stimulus. For dogs, phobias often involve loud noises, such as the sound of thunderstorms. Dogs have been known to physically harm themselves–and others–in their attempts to escape these frightening sounds.
The first step in dealing with a fearful or anxious dog is to schedule a complete physical examination with your veterinarian to rule out any possible underlying medical problem, such as hyperthyroidism, Cushing’s disease, or other condition. It is vital to reinforce basic obedience behaviors like sit, down, and stay, and to teach them to focus on an activity that distracts from the sound of the storm. Be sure to provide your pet with tasty treats during these training sessions.
Desensitization is often paired with counter-conditioning. Desensitization uses baby steps to build your dog’s confidence. If he is afraid of loud noises, you expose him t the sound at low volume and reward him for being calm. You can purchase CDs of storm sounds at music stores or online. As he continues to demonstrate no fear, you gradually increase the volume. Counter-conditioning associates the presence of a trigger with a positive experience such as eating or playing. you can also teach your dog to down stay on a mat or other safe place when there are no storms around. Once he learns this relaxation behavior, you can teach him to settle down in that safe place during a storm.
These techniques require patience and may take quite a bit of time, so don’t expect an instant cure. Never punish a fearful pet by yelling or striking, because such actions can worsen his phobias and anxieties. Instead, touch your dog gently and speak calmly to reassure him but avoid excessive displays of concern or petting. Speak in upbeat tones, act happy, and divert your pet’s attention to a treat or fun activity. Your goal is to deliver a message that the storm is no big deal.
Go to the Source
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add your comment »I have heard another reason why animals may not like thunderstorms....the electricity in the air. This is why many start to react even before a storm has begun.
I have a friend whose dog is terrified of storms...shaking, trembling, etc. As weird as it may sound, the owner of the dog rubs a dryer sheet over the dog if he knows there is a storm coming. The dog is actually fine if he is rubbed with a sheet BEFORE a storm starts. I'm not a scientist, but if dryer sheets help remove static electricity, then they must help do the same for the animal when the electricity from a storm is around.
It's worth a try.
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This is all great advice, some we have tried already, others we will consider. Thank you. But our dog reacts even to the sound of rain, no thunder has to even be present. Other than this one behavior problem, she's the perfect pet!
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MY DOG ALSO SEEMS UPSET WITH STORMS. MAYBE THERE IS SOMEKIND OF TAPE REFLECTING THE SOUNDS OF THE THUNDER AND WHEN YOU ARE HOME CONTINUE TO PAY THEM AND SEE IF SHE CAN GET ACCUSTOM TO HEARING THAT NOISE. IF ITS DONE ON A DAILY BASIC MAYBE WHEN THE REAL THUNDER COMES IT WON'T BOTHER HER.
GOOD LUCK
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My poor dog is so afraid in T-storms that he shakes uncontrollably, and one time I could even hear his teeth clacking together, all over the room. If I'm near him, I hold onto him tightly and try to comfort him, but one thing that also works is to play loud (but soothing) music so that it drowns out the thunder booms. (Of course, it helps if you can do that without bothering neighbors with the noise!)
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There are many reasons our dear friends become so frightened. I to have experienced this with 2 of my own over the years and my Dad enlightened me with an explanation; especially when the pups (pups does not mean puppy..I call all dogs pups)are already reacting before the storm. What is it??? Extra sensitive ears. Papa advised me to leave a radio playing whenever I went to work or had to leave when a storm was in the forecast.. It may sound funny or unbelievable to some but mine love Gospel and once inclined to listening to the same voices everyday during talk episodes, that is also very comforting. I had a pup that showed me another side which made this a very plausible explanation. I also love to listen to nature tapes...subliminals..or the kind with music and you can hear the birds, crickets and such in the background. One song in particular had the screeching of an eagle. Oh my Lord...my one pup Snowie reacted as though someone was trying to kill her...in the truck as we were driving down the road yet. But the gospel or symphony is very soothing and it has never failed me. Give it a try and I'll bet you'll be surprised.
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amazing I never thought that something like that happened.
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Wow..your dog sounds just like mine. She's always been frightened of storms and firecrackers,etc. Even chewing out of a crate like your dog. If I'm home, I stay in "her" bedroom with her having it completely dark and keep the tv on. She seems to settle a little this wsy (also I give her acepromazine-tho it doesn'r work great if it's a bad storm). If I'm out, I leave the house completely open-no closed doors at all and she runs around nervously and pants like a locomotive. At least she doesn't chew anything or damage doors trying to hide. I learned this after some doors were chewed. I hope you find some kind of a solution..my girl is 12 and I value the time I have with her..she's my best friend. It's worth giving some nights up to be with her and calm her. Best of luck. ps-I have 4 cats too but they chill out--sometimes go under the furniture. Never a big deal to them.
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This method for the storm phobia may be fine when you're home with the animal during a storm, but what do you do when you are at work, and the dog is going berserk? My dog has gone so far as to chew so hard, she's ripped out many teeth in the process. She brakes out of crates and cages, jumps over a half wall, or baby gates, not even medication subdues here fears. She will calm if we are with her and can distract her, but when left alone with our other dogs, she cannot be calmed. At the end of our rope with her. She is a 6 year old corgy/beagle mix we adopted from the pound four years ago. The older she gets, the worse she gets.
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