Family dog is scared of Thunderstorms.?

Question

My parents have two dogs one is terrified of Thunderstorms, he shakes like a leaf everytime he sees lightining and hears thunder. Is there anything that my parents can do to ease his fears during and after a storm?

Answer 1

I can relate. My dogs are scared of thunderstorms and fireworks.

You can try this:

PROVIDE COMFORT: Pay attention to where your dog goes for comfort during a storm then provide a soft place for her there. Chances are it will be a dark place or a place in the center of the house where the sounds and flashes aren't as noticable. Many dogs go to a downstairs family room, dark closet, a crate, the bathroom, or the bathtub.

TUNE IN: Invest in a good weather radio so you are always aware of when storms are brewing.

TURN ON: Turn on some soothing music or a TV to mask the noises a bit until the storm is over.

DON'T FENCE ME IN: Don't close her in a crate or confine her to a small space. Even if she prefers her crate or a small space, don't lock her in. She may panic and seriously injure herself if she tries to escape.

CUT THE STATIC: Reduce the static. Rub her coat with a fabric softener dryer sheet to decrease the static - a common result of thunderstorms and one that dogs learn to associate with the storms. If your dog loves to ride in the car, try letting her "ride" out the storm with a ride in the car. This not only helps dissapate the static, but you can actually drive her away from the worst of the storm.

BATTEN DOWN THE HATCHES: Keep windows covered so she can't see out. Keep her away from windows and keep all doors and outside gates closed so your dog cannot escape. Remember that flight is a common response to fear. Prevent her from getting near glass doors or windows if she is panicky. Some dogs will break through in an attempt to escape from the storm.

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But whatever your parents do, AVOID the following:

DON'T CODDLE HER: Simple reassurance can help some dogs, but keep it short and keep it simple. If it isn't working, stop it. Any attention you pay to her fearful behavior is likely to reinforce her belief that something bad is happening. You don't need to ignore her - just her fearful behavior. If she comes to you, let her share your company, but don't constantly stroke her or baby her.

TRY A SAFETY CUE: If her fear is mild, provide a safety cue such as a special chewie, a great stuffed frozen Kong, or a new squeaky toy that will divert her attention. Provide this at the first sign of a storm and remove it as soon as the storm has passed.

DON'T WORRY - BE HAPPY: Simple as that. The dogs will watch your parents on what to do, so best thing is to act natural & calm.

Medicine: It helps but what if they're not home when it happens, who's going to give the dogs (or dog) medicine?


When it happens, my dogs are in the rec room where they don't hear much noise or both would be cuddling beside each other under my desk, which is in the rec room. Somehow, they find comfort & feel this is a "safe zone" for them. If it works for them, then, no complaints. But I also check the forecast...just incase...or when it's a holiday with fireworks happening, I make a mental note of what's to come.


Good luck.

Answer 2

It's unsettling when your dog has a fear of thunder, fireworks or other loud and sudden noises. Dogs often express their fear in destructive behavior, barking, cowering, and throwing various fits. There are two mistakes we often make which only make the situation worse. First, never reprimand or punish the dog for being afraid. He will only become more frightened. Secondly, never verbally or physically try to reassure or comfort the dog when he is acting fearful. If you stroke, cradle or hug your dog while saying things like, 'Oh poor baby, it's OK, there's nothing to be afraid of,' the dog doesn't understand your words, but he does understand that he is receiving a gentle, soothing reward by your actions and tone of voice. The dog usually concludes it is doing the right thing by acting nervous because you are so approving of it.
Sometimes simply stopping the unintentional reward stops the fearful behavior. But until the dog is over his fears, it is best to confine him to a place where he can't hurt himself or completely destroy your property. A crate is ideal. Accustom the dog to his special place so that he feels comfortable and secure there. Don't wait until the storm has arrived to introduce your dog to his 'safe haven.'

Distraction Training and Fear
Brush up on some obedience training and teach your dog a few tricks and games. It is difficult for a dog to be afraid when he is enjoying his favorite game of fetch. It is difficult to think about the thunder storm outside when the dog is concentrating on a quick series of Come Here, Sit, Heel, Sit, Shake Hands, Down, Roll Over, etc. The idea is to distract the dog from the noise. You can then shower the dog with lots of affection and attention, but for obeying a simple command of sit-shake hands, instead of for acting fearful.
The key is patience and practice. Do not wait until the night before the thunder storm or the third of July (fear of fireworks) to begin teaching your dog a few tricks. Be sure he knows them well beforehand. He will probably have trouble concentrating at first, so the better he knows the games and tricks, the easier it will be for him to perform them under pressure.

Desensitization and Fear
Another method of helping your dog overcome his fear is to slowly and gradually accustom him to the noises that frighten him. This can be done by making a recording of the sounds and playing it back to the dog while he is enjoying everyday life and activities. Many music stores have soundtracks of fireworks, thunder storms and rain that you can purchase. Start by playing it back at such a low volume that you can barely hear it, but the dog's keen hearing will. The dog should show no signs of fear at this volume. Gradually, over the course of weeks or months, increase the volume by tiny increments. The volume is increased so slowly that the dog hardly notices the change. Eventually he will be used to hearing the sounds at full force. If at any time, your dog shows signs of fear, decrease the volume again and proceed a little more slowly. This procedure will work more quickly if you combine it with distraction training.

Answer 3

poor wee soul - it must be horrible for them, seeing as they hear ten times more than we do.
I used to work in a kennel and they would put music on for the dogs during thunder and fireworks they would also leave a light on where the dogs were so the light from them didn't reflect off the walls.
A vet can also come out to your house and give the dog a mild sedative to calm him down but this should be a last resort.
Hope this helps, good luck honey x x

Answer 4

What i have heard is to act like nothing is happening... like there isnt a thunderstorm going on.. by comforting the dog during the stress it reinforces that he should act scared...so by not doing anything he will not be reinforced to act scared.

Answer 5

It's natural to be afraid of loud BOOM!s and seeing big flashes of scary light in the sky. Almost all little kids have been afraid of thunder and lightning once in their life, and it's the same with dogs. Soothe him, talk to him, and put him somewhere where he feels safe and secure. For example, his own little bed, in front of the fireplace, in his doghouse, etc. Good Luck!

Answer 6

I have a lab that is the exact same way. We just put her in the wash room on a towel until it's over. Our vet said there is nothing you can do except make them feel comfortable.

Answer 7

My dog hides in the bathroom, closet and under the bed. I know that doesn't answer your question but I don't know my dog just hides-even in the middle of the night so I figure he has it figured out!

Answer 8

Walk him during the thunderstorm... so he know not to be afraid of it. If that's a bit extreme then I say plant him infront of a patio door or window to watch it? You have to expose it to him some how so he knows not to be afriad of it.

I'm no pet expert so... don't sue me please :D!

Answer 9

i also have a dog that is scared but am not sure y i got her on fort bragg army base and she scared of the bombing i just dont know what to do i just let her be by my side

Answer 10

our golden retriever is the same way

she has a vet appt next week & we've been thinking about talking to the vet to see what they suggest