One of the most difficult problems a dog owner can face is that of comforting his dog who becomes panic-stricken during a thunderstorm. Some dogs react more severely than others. While some pant, tremble, and huddle under the bed, others completely panic and destroy their surroundings, even injuring themselves while trying to escape.
Various remedies, such as drug therapy, desensitization, and body wraps have been tried but it seems that no one particular method works for all dogs, suggesting that thunderstorm fear can be caused by different factors.
Desensitization Training and Drug Therapy
For dogs frightened by the noise and lightning flashes, something as simple as closing the drapes and turning up the volume of a radio or TV to drown out the sounds of a storm can help calm some dogs. For others, drugs prescribed by a veterinarian help. Some dogs respond to desensitization training in which low volumes of storm sound effects are introduced until the dog gradually learns to tolerate stronger effects. Additionally, the dog may be taught to associate pleasant things with the sounds, such as play time, massage, or treats.
Anxiety Wraps
Some dog owners have tried specially designed doggy apparel called an anxiety wrap. It pulls over the head and works on the simple concept of ‘maintained pressure’ which causes the dog to refocus on the comforting snugness instead of whatever is causing his anxiety. Some dog owners swear by it, claiming it also works for separation anxiety, nail clipping and other stressful situations, while others say it makes no difference for their dog.
Storm Capes
Yet another idea that some dog owners claim has been their dog’s saving grace is the use of a storm cape. Some research has shown that some dogs may be sensitive to the static charge in the air before and during a thunderstorm. They learn to dread the tingling feeling. Perhaps in the wild, this would be their clue to seek shelter before the storm arrives but when the reaction in a pet is to the point of panic, protective measures are necessary.
Special storm capes are created with metallic linings to discharge the dog’s fur. In addition to being relieved of the effects of static electricity, a dog wearing the coat may feel the soothing effects of a swaddling wrap. Of course, under no circumstances, should the wraps be used outdoors due to the danger of lightning strikes.
Finding the Best Solution for a Dog's Fear
Some experts, such as Bonnie Beaver, executive director of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, caution that the thunderstorm shirts work for some dogs and not for others. Dr. Nicholas Dodman, Professor and Director at Behavior Clinic Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University and Dr. Jeff Todd, veterinarian in North Carolina suggest the use of these thunderstorm wraps to dog owners, after discovering that it works for 2/3 of dogs.
Most dog owners who have used the wraps successfully claim they must be applied as soon as the dog shows any nervousness and it may take several storms before the dog learns that he will no longer feel the discomfort of electrical charges when he hears thunder, lightning, and rain. For the remaining 1/3 of dogs the wrap makes no difference in their fear of thunderstorms.
According to a study conducted by Dr. Nancy Dreschel, 15% to 30% of dogs are afraid of thunderstorms. For the owners of these dogs, finding a solution may be a long endeavor of trial and error. What works for one dog may not work for another. Sometimes a combination of methods may be the key to relief from anxiety. A determined dog owner with the help of veterinarians or behaviorists will hopefully find what works for his individual dog. At any rate, no dog deserves to be given up on as the effects of stress can lead to other behavior problems and health issues.
Sources:
Research aimed at finding a way to soothe thunderstorm-stressed dogs, Penn State University Live News Source
Super-hero cape fights dogs' storm fears by JoNel Aleccia, msnbc.msn.com
Joy Butler - Writer, retired lab tech, mom, and animal lover with over 20 years' experience rescuing, kenneling, training and showing dogs.
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