Anyone know how I can calm my 5 yo airedale down when it thunders and storms, she freaks out?

Answer 1

As another already said, do not cuddle your dog when she is scared of the storm. This gives her attention and she is basically being "rewarded" for something you don't want her to do.

Give her a safe/comfortable place to rest. My dog likes to go under the bed or on the couch during thunderstorms (and we get them frequently in South Louisiana). Maybe in her crate or kennel with a blanket and a few toys.

Also my vet did prescribe Ace (a sedative) for when he gets really scared (heavy panting and shaking). But you have to stay up on the weather. Dogs can sense the changes in the atmosphere before we do. Your dog may start showing signs of anxiety before the first clap of thunder. (My dog will begin looking out the window frequently and curling up by my feet.) It is recommended to give a sedative roughly an hour before it is "needed", it also varies on the dog's size as to how quickly it may take effect. And the dose I give my dog does not "knock him out", it just relaxes him.

Answer 2

The biggest mistake well meaning owners make is "cuddling" your dog. It actually rewards the dogs behavior and sends the message that it is right to be afraid.

Dont crate a dog who already has anxiety unless you leave the door open, before you think about medications try the techniques described on this site.

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1005&S=1

Sometimes you cant train dogs out of these things.
To socilaize my Rottweiler I turned storms into a game, when we hear the thunder we investigate together at the window like it is a game. Not to get her too excited, she just likes to watch the storms. When there was a huge hail storm, we ran right outside and started chasing after the hail as if the sky was dropping tennis balls for us,...... until one hit me in the nose, ouch!

However, she still hates the sound of the vacuum. She was deathly afraid since she was little and we have only managed the problem..... she doesnt like the vacuum but she puts up with it and stays away from it.

Answer 3

I Had a Golden lab for 14 years,when she was 3 are house was hit by lighting and from then on she would freak out over storms. After trying everything under the sun to calm her down during storms (as much as I hate meds) the vet put her on Valium, just a half tablet did the trick.

Answer 4

Under no circumstances give your pet drugs! Your dog will figure out what to do, such as sleep on the floor by your bed, or go somewhere it feels safe. I believe that it is genetic, & part of the animals nature. Sometimes if I play music, even rock & roll, or the television, sort of create a diversion, it will make a difference in your pet. My dog is the same way, & it passes. It is usually around the fourth of July, & that doesn't warrant a trip to the vet. I am in the process of finding a holistic vet in my area. I hope this helps.

Answer 5

Be there to reassure her, crate her if you cannot be there and you think it will storm. You may need to get sedatives from the vet-it is not cruel, it is easier on her than dealing with the storm and making the experience even worse the next time.

Answer 6

you might have to go to your vet and get her some mild sedatives and give her one when it is storming, that will help. You might also crate er or lock her in a room and turn on the TV or turn up a radio real loud so she can't hear the thunder.

Answer 7

Ok you really have to just let her stay on the floor because they feel safer there, so odnt pressure her to come on your couch or chair. She might shake but thats just natural you can put so water by her if it is a thunderstorm that will last a long that will help her stop panting if she does. Those are my only suggestions, hope they help! :)

Answer 8

Cuddle her and tell her it's all right. Just make sure that you provide a calm 'aura' (I don't know what else to call it.) Since your dog trusts you, if she were to sense that you were uneasy, she would channel that and feel as if she were in danger. Good luck!

Answer 9

You might try getting her a kennel and put a blanket over it and cushions inside so it's like a den where she feels sheltered.

Answer 10

hold her in your arm and talk to her. I think she knows if you talk to her so she will feel better. maybe play with her to distract her attention away from the noise.