Thunderclaps & Fireworks: Easing Dog Fears
Does a flash of lightning or a rumble of thunder cause your dog to tremble or pant uncontrollably? Did last year's Fourth of July fireworks celebration prompt him to drool as though he were teething or to have a housetraining accident?
If any of these scenarios have occurred, or if he shows other signs of stress, you can help your four-legged friend deal more comfortably with thunderstorms, fireworks and other loud noises. Listed below are a few suggestions that might help your pet:
Divert his attention. Sometimes, all a dog needs to overcome his fear is to have his attention diverted elsewhere. "If a dog is frightened, get him engaged in a fun game of fetch, give him a phenomenal food-stuffed toy or bone, or get a handful of treats and ask him to perform all his tricks," suggests Dr. Lisa Radosta, a veterinary behaviorist from Royal Palm Beach, Florida. "And get happy and excited yourself. It works wonders."
Offer a mother's comfort. Many fearful dogs calm down when their owner uses a product with dog appeasing pheromone (DAP). The DAP, which is similar to the pheromone released by mother dogs nursing their puppies, "comes in a variety of forms such as a diffuser, a collar and a spray," says Dr. Emily Levine, a veterinary behaviorist in Fairfield, New Jersey. More information about DAP products is available at www.petcomfortzone.com.
Find him a safe place. Some dogs try to find a place to hide away from storms --and if your dog is one, you can help him. "Provide the dog with a small, dark area such as access to a closet if the dog tends to seek those types of places during storms," recommends Dr. Lore Haug, a veterinary behaviorist who practices in Sugar Land, Texas.
Wrap him up. Some dogs may respond to a product called The Anxiety Wrap, a form-fitting fabric wrap that applies pressure to various areas of the dog's body. Use of the wrap may create "biofeedback slowing down the heart and therefore the animal feels less anxious," speculates Levine. "Or the wrap may be hitting certain pressure points that, when firmly touched, helps to calm the animal, much like wrapping a crying baby in a blanket." That being said, other experts suggest that you acclimate your dog to the wrap before using it to calm your dog during a storm.
Introduce some competition. If you're going to be leaving the house to watch a fireworks display -- or if thunderstorms are in the weather forecast -- "play competing background noise such as a radio or TV, or use a white noisemaker," suggests Haug. Drawing the shades to hide any lightning or fireworks is a good idea, too.
Act normal. Experts agree that coddling or attempting to comfort your stressed dog is not a good idea. "The change in the owner's behavior from normal only makes the dog think there really is something to worry about," warns Haug. "The owner should interact with the dog in as normal a manner as possible."
Get help. If your efforts don't seem to reduce your dog's stress, seek help. "Reach out to your veterinarian for anti-anxiety medication," suggests Levine. For very severe or intractable noise anxiety, a veterinarian may refer dog and owner to a veterinary behaviorist -- a veterinarian who has completed post-graduate work in animal behavior. After evaluating the dog's behavior, the veterinary behaviorist can develop a comprehensive program to address the dog's thunderstorm, fireworks or noise anxiety, and any other issues he may have.
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Comments (11)
Chicago June 29, 2009 6:47 PM
ACTING NORMAL is definitely important. Don't BABY your pooch. I was taught to TRAIN my dog (as a pup) NOT to be afraid of thunder or fireworks...and it's been awesome. HOW did I train him? When he was eating, I'd drop a cookie sheet on the floor - at the other end of the room (NOT by him while he ate)... and I wouldn't pay him any attention... or I'd have another family member nearby just say "good boy" as he went about his eating. The key was that none of US reacted to the noise. He is NOT at all jumpy now. He WAS when we first got him. Something to think about training your dog with. But you can't throw something on the floor & then turn to look for a reaction. YOU have to remain calm and go about your business. Sometimes it's easiest to do with a helper :)
colleen June 30, 2009 9:36 AM
I rescued my 10 year old poodle (10 lbs) 5 years ago, he is starting to cough more often. Is this normal for this breed? What would cause a dog to cough?
harmony June 30, 2009 11:36 PM
finding him a safe place during thunderclaps and fireworks does woek with my dog. :)
Robin July 1, 2009 1:46 PM
My daughters 13 yr old Westie also starting coughing a few months ago. The vet gave her some medicine but she still coughs sometimes ,usually @ nite or after being outside.
Tiffany July 1, 2009 1:55 PM
My dog whimpers and shakes when she hears loud thunderstorms and fireworks, especially more so with people setting off fireworks this time of year. I've always found that helping her cope is really necessary. I will turn on the TV and then let her crawl under a blanket or bed so she feels more safe from the noise.
Anne July 1, 2009 11:00 PM
I so know what you ladies are going throughI have the same problem with firecrackers and thunder with my 8yr old pit and my mail shakes and cowers every time I turn the stove on .He freaks on smoke alarms and of course they all go off at the same time,I can get his mind off for a min but thats all I feel so bad ,he is 8 too I dont want to scare thim to death what to do hold and petting do nothing
simone July 2, 2009 2:21 AM
i have always maintained that if the owner reacts to the noises the dog will sense it and have fear themselves.
i have 6 dogs (3labbies 2 aussies & a golden retreiver) and none of them has EVER been scared of storms or fireworks(even when my neighbour let some off)
I also have 8 horses and not one of them has ever so much as looked up from their food during the storms or the fireworks.
Vivian July 2, 2009 10:17 AM
Tiffany I agree completely. That is the only thing that worked with one of my yorkies. She felt safe when I would put her under a blanket.
With only one out of nine with this problem, to me it was no problem at all comforting her.
Mary July 2, 2009 7:32 PM
minpin she pants so bad and runs all over at first we didnt know what to do i told her vet he give her something to calm her she is going on 7 and this year she is really bad now i put her next to me and put a pillow up next to her boy that really helps and i just talk to her the whole time
Lena July 5, 2009 5:34 PM
My friends dog had a heart attack and died from being so scared of fireworks. Have anyone ever heard of this happening before. He was a big Golden Retriever.
Kim September 5, 2009 3:39 PM
I found found a few things at the health food store for my Chi who is so afraid of thunderstorms, and we live in the lightning capital of the world. She also is excited to travel she drives us crazy. My other Chi is not afraid of anything. I bought Happy Traveler made by Ark Naturals for when we travel which really works & Bach Rescue Remedy spray for thunderstorms. The spray is cool cuz it takes affect quicker. these are all natural products.
Kelly December 10, 2009 3:26 PM
FlagTry this website i did and it changed my cats and dogs Life www.signalblue.co.uknFRIGHTENED OR SCARED PETSnnnnHere is a cd that you can play to your pets/animals to get them use to the sound of fireworks.nnYou play this half hour cd every day increasing the volume untill your pets are use to the noises so they dont have a frightful time on Bonfire night or New Years Eve. This will aid in your pets remaining calm and unaffected by loud noises that fireworks cause.nIts Brilliant
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