Thunderstorms

[frute]

We had a severe thunderstorm saturday nite & ziggy went nuts!! I was on the floor rubbing him, trying to calm him down, but he just kept running back & forth. We've never had a thunderstorm since we've had him, so I wasn't sure how he would react. Are all dogs scared of thunder? Can anyone give me tips on what to do during the storm so he doesn't freak out! Thanks!!

 

[TwoDogs]

I recommend talking to your vet about melatonin. It is recommended for use on noise phobic dogs. I use it on my girl and it makes her less sensitive to the thunder during storms and on July 4th when there are fireworks. I also use it at flyball tournaments where there is tons of barking and loud echoing noises.

 

[BxrMommieNAZ]

I've always been told not to comfort them during these times or it will simply reinforce that their behavior is okay and then cause them to react that way all of the time when they hear thunder, etc.

I lived in Louisiana for 5 years and my dog was never afraid of thunder, I've lived here in AZ now for 4 years and we have "monsoon season" in the summers with loud thunder, my pup the first summer got a bit agitated, I ignored his behavior, didn't pet him during this time, talk to him etc, and he's never acted that way since.

 

[hluebner]

Our tenderhearted 130 pound Mastiff will run in the basement and hide until the storm has passed. The Boxer has started to join her - I don't know if she keeps the other one company or if she is scared, too.

Somebody once told me that dogs are super sensitive to the inversion of air pressure during a storm.

 

[Sugarcain]

Our huskies were sensitive to storms also. We always knew when one was coming at least a few hours in advance. Shay wasn't too bad but Dakota would start pacing and whining constantly from a few hours before the storm until it was over, so we would cuddle him up on the couch when the storm was going on and it would calm him down. Sugar and Cain don't seem to be affected at all by storms.

 

[BoxerMoments]

I've been wondering what Dakota will be like when we get a thunderstorm. We got him over the winter and haven't had a storm yet. He does seem to jump when he hears a new loud sound but seems to quickly get over it so I wonder what he'll be like for his first storm.

 

[sandy's mom]

It will be great if you can nip it before it becomes a problem.

My Sandy is terrified of thunder. She always has been.
We have tried everything...she just shakes and tried to hide her head.

Napoleon on the other hand could care less unless it gets really loud.

Good Luck!

 

[SherylM]

My Jack was terrified of thunder storms and fireworks. I used Rescue Remedy for him and it worked like a charm. Within about a minute he would start to calm down and sometimes he actually would go to sleep during the storm. Its does not act as a sedative, it works on the central nervous system to calm them. I also did not baby him and feed into his fear. I just acted as though nothing was wrong during the storm.

 

[Firerobin]

The rescue remedy really does work, my terrier is terrified of thunder on Saturday we had a storm I gave her some rescue remedy and withing 5 mins. she was much better, Stryker couldn't care less, but I notice Chelsea was picking up on the terrier, she was a little agitated, but once the Terrier calmed down she was fine and they all lay around until the storm was over.

 

[Chiefsmom]

I've always been told not to comfort them during these times or it will simply reinforce that their behavior is okay and then cause them to react that way all of the time when they hear thunder,

I've had the same experience with Chief.... If we don't coddle him and tell him, "it's okay".... he eventually forgets and comes downstairs (from hiding).

With my new rescue... we're still working on this... she definately stresses over thunder. We left her be and didn't coddle her.

.... Will let you know the outcome when it's concluded!