When Lightning Strikes, is your Dog Cowering Under the Covers?
Spring storms
have begun and if your dog is anything like mine, she's hiding in
the bathroom before you even know a storm is on the brink.
Thunder-phobic
dogs are common, and during a storm, owners of these dogs witness
their precious pooches whine, drool, shudder uncontrollably, tear up
furniture, urinate, head for the basement and crawl under beds,
desks and into bathtubs. Following a clap of thunder, dogs have even
been known to crash through plate glass windows.
Help
for Thunder-phobic Dogs. The Do's and Don'ts. 
DO:
C
Take your dog for a long walk prior to an expectant storm. Fatigue
often wins out over fear.
C
Play the radio or TV at a high volume in an effort to mask the noise
of the storm.
C
Identify your dog's safe place-where your dog tends to escape to
when a storm starts...Under the table, in a closet, in the bathtub.
Make sure he has access to it when you are not around. Associate
good things, like treats and food, with the safe place. Encourage your
dog to go there when she is feeling afraid. Most dogs prefer dark,
small places when they wish to hide.
C
Distract your dog: This is usually only effective at the first signs
of storm anxiety-i.e. whining, whimpering and pacing. Distract your
dog with food or a game. Preferably a game involving food.
C
Project a calm attitude: When you are worried or nervous during a
storm, you add fuel to the fire and a dog's anxiety intensifies.
Your pet looks to you for direction, so keep a calm, in-charge
attitude.
C
Desensitize your dog to loud noises. Gradually expose your dog to a
less intense version of the noise he is afraid of. Try "thunder on
tape." Associate the less intense noise with treats and fun. Tread
carefully with this exercise, if used incorrectly-i.e. increasing
the intensity of the sound too quickly-you could make the problem
worse.
C
Wrap your pooch in a blanket or towel. Dogs may experience the
static build-up in the air during a storm more astutely than humans
and will try to "ground" themselves. This is why so
many dogs seek shelter near or IN the toilet or bathtub (near pipes)
during a storm. A blanket or towel will reduce the static charge.
You might try the "Storm Defender Cape"
http://www.stormdefender.com/
C
Medicine, such as acepromazine or buspirone, will calm your dog for
a short period of time. However, it does not cure the underlying
problem. You might want to try an over-the-counter pet relaxer such
as Pet Calm before resorting to prescription drugs. Melatonin, which
can be purchased at most health food stores, has proven itself to be
effective in studies on thunder-phobic dogs at Tufts New England
Veterinary Medical Center. Dosage: 6mg for 100lb plus dogs. 3mg for
30-99lb dogs and 1.5 mg for dogs less then 30 pounds.
DON'T
D
Pet
or reassure your dog. This will only temporarily calm your dog
and it will intensify his fear when you are not there.
D
Punish your dog. It only reinforces negative associations with
storms.
D
Force your dog into a situation where he hears thunder
or any loud noise for that matter. A dog may retaliate against the human with a bite or attack.
D
Lock your dog into a crate. Your dog is likely to injure
himself trying to escape.
