Why is my springer spaniel so scared of storms, fireworks, and heavy rain?

Question

I'd love some advice on how I could help him overcome these fears as they seem to be getting worse. He used to just sit out in the rain and howl but now will bite at the fence and do whatever damage he can as he gets so freaked out by the weather. He refuses to sit in his kennel and just cries to come in. Any suggestions? He is ten years old.

Answer 1

Aw, the poor thing. Here's an article that might help you and your dog. http://www.geocities.com/jetflair/thunderstorms.html Good luck!!

Answer 2

Here's the deal. The storms, fireworks and heavy rain hurts their ears and frightens them.
I have a little dog who would spend all the time under the bed during the same situations but what I do is go to the vets and get some doggie downers. The vet can determine what dosage to give the dog and you can put it in some treat or toss it down the dogs throat.
My little dog is just as mellow as can be. A bit tipsy but mellow for sure.
I think I got 15 pills for $10 dollars and money well spent too.

Answer 3

The 'why' in your question doesn't really matter. It is how to deal with the dog's fears that is the problem.

You can get CDs with noises on which you play very, very quietly to your dog until he gets used to them. You then increase the volume gradually in stages until you can play the CD at normal or loud volume without the dog reacting.

You have to be very patient and do the whole thing at your dog's pace which could take a couple of days, weeks, or months.

Unable to help with your dog's distress at being left outside during rain and storm. He obviously gets no comfort or security from being in his kennel.

I would just bring him inside.

Answer 4

I have a spaniel (my second), and he is very skiddish of noises such as the ones you've described. The spaniel I had previously was the same way. I don't know what you could do because my dog is extremely tame in all other ways--he just hates noises. You could try bringing him inside ... my dog is inside, though, and he's still scared of noises. Just love him for what he is.

Answer 5

Oh guy properly the two have been particularly solid, yet Jerry Springer replaced into much greater appropriate. I nonetheless love AND YOUR no longer the daddy on Maury although. Plus the customer who broke his nostril is a classic megastar for you commonly

Answer 6

My friend has this same problem. don't know any cures how to overcome the fears, but when there's fireworks etc she just puts the washingmachine on , it apparently blocks out the noise.. give it a try..

Answer 7

Because, ya know when you were a kid you were scared of things right? I have a tip when a storm comes spend more time with your dog and give him treats and stuff. soon enough he will look forward to storms so he will get attention.

Answer 8

you should let him come in!!! I have a dog that got left out in storms and she is soooo afraid. I've been working with her to overcome it, but it takes a lot of work. You should let him come in when it's raining.

you would cry too if you got left out in the rain.

Answer 9

maybe something happened to him when he was a puppy that you dont know about. a bad experience with storms. best advice be with him when theres a storm and confort him snuggle with him and love him. my dog hates storms too. hes super sensituive and the worst part isyou cant talk to him to find out why he is so wierded out by it.

Answer 10

I have a six year old Border Collie that has similar problems, so I'll be watching the answers closely. I hope we can find a solution.