my dog goes crazy when he hears gunshots fireworks, or when it storms, what can i do?

Question

He is a 9 year old basset hound, and when he hears gunshots, fireworks, or thunder he starts breathing hard, whining, and shaking, its getting to the point where we have had to lock him in the shed outside because it gets so annoying. i just dont want to get rid of him, he is a part of the family, please help!

Answer 1

You cant, all dogs are like that, my dog is EXACTLY like that:)

Answer 2

Ok well my cousin David and my friend Emilie both have dogs that are afraid of gunshot fireworks. I think he will grow out of it OR the sound hurts his ears. Most loud noises hurt dogs ears. If you keep them inside or put him in the shed BEFORE the fireworks maybe he will not be so afraid. Try also to avoid (even though their the really good ones!) the ones that sound like a sonic BOOM!!! That will make him go crazy! Just during the fireworks, hold him tight and give him lots of love letting him know he's gonna be O.K. That usually works.

Answer 3

Hi!
I heard on the radio that another dog can help the dog cope with the storm more than a human could EVER! My dog use to be the same way but sence we got another dog, she is better.
Another thing to try is to act like there isn't a storm at all. Play with him or talk to him as usual and don't act like there is fireworks or a storm.
Good Luck!!
~Misty

Answer 4

You know.. there is NOTHING that can be done. That is why it is always best to bring them inside the house when fireworks are going off. Our poor pest friends just have a hard time because of the different type tones that enters their ears.. different than from the ears of humans.

I suppose the ONLY way to cure a dog of(from) being scared(which is not a practical way) is to live arouind such noise all the time.. sitting with the pet while it is going on and that lets the pet know that there is nothing to fear.

Answer 5

This is typical and normal for dogs. My three dogs do the same. When we are home we sit on the floor with them and have soft music playing to help take off the edge. After a few minutes the stop the noice and pretty much just shake and lean on top of eachother. Sometimes I put my blanket on them which also helps them through it.

Answer 6

I've known a number of dogs with the same problem, including labs and saint bernards.

Try getting your dog somewhere relatively quiet, and if you can manage it close to you. Let him see you acting like it's no big deal. Eventually he'll take his cues from you and calm down.

Answer 7

I have a GSD that is the same way and we have learned how to calm her down by making her feel comfortable.

Place her in a room where the noise is less loud.

Often, my dog will crawl under the bed and stay there until the noise is well beyond gone.

Try to make a place that is comfortable and quiet for your dog, or when a storm is happening pick him up and comfort him. If he feels secure wth you he will be calmer.

Distracting helps too. Try small treats and get him to do tricks, it helped me.

Answer 8

My chihuahua acts the same way during a thunder storm. I usually put her in her crate to calm her. The vet suggested giving her some children's benadryl. It will make her tired and hopefully she will sleep through it. I just don't know how much you need to give your dog since it is bigger than mine.

Good luck!

Answer 9

The shed isn't the best place for your dog, since in the summer it's hot, probably not very well ventilated, sound reverberates, and it could make your dog's panic worse.

Move the dog to a basement, if you can, or some other room in your home where sound will be muffled. If you don't have a basement, some dogs like to be in the bathroom (don't ask me why). The advantage to a bathroom is that you can leave on the exhaust fan as white noise so that the explosions won't be heard so easily.

If your dog is secure in his crate, try that as well; some dogs really like being in their crates as a safe haven.

Benadryl is a suggestion we've had for our dog, too, for panic situations. It's not terribly effective for him, but it might work for your dog.

Answer 10

Ok heres what i would recommend, we get clients coming in all the time around new years/ 4th of july with the same problem, and we usually prescribe them with a very mild tranquilizer called acepromazine. Every single client who uses it loves it and has no complaints about it. Personally, i use it on my dog (same problems as your dog haha) whenever theres a storm, or theres fireworks going off. It works like a charm. Id suggest going into your vet clinic and having your vet give you some ace, or w/e they use in that situation, different vets use different drugs, but it is relatively cheap, anyways that what i would suggest. Hope that helps.

Answer 11

Dogs are extremely noise sensitive. What sounds like a pop to us sounds like an explosion to them. Keep him indoors, turn on the TV or some music, stay with him to comfort him. You can try some natural remedies such as an Anxiety Wrap, a D.A.P. diffuser, or Rescue Remedy, or call your vet and see if there is a medication he could take. Take pity on him, help him, if he is really part of your family, take care of him during his time of stress and need.