I have a black lab/border collie mix. He is scared to death of thunderstorms. (or any loud noise for that matter) He will shake and pant through the whole thing. The only thing I can do is open my closet door and let him hide in there. Is there anything I can do to prevent this? He is 6 years old and has always been like this.
My other dog just paces but only because (I think) the lab is so scared.
2006-12-10 08:14:33 · 19 answers · asked by TRUE PATRIOT 6 in Pets ➔ Dogs
His name is Campbell and yes, he is a rescue dog. He used to flinch when we went to pet him. I think he was abused as a pup. We got him when he was really young---2 months old.
2006-12-10 13:24:49 · update #1
DOWNLOAD THIS FILE:
http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/fear-thunder.pdf
2006-12-10 09:12:28 · answer #1 · answered by $Sun King$ 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I have a chihuahua that freaks out during thunderstorms also. He got so bad that he would hyperventilate and his was not breathing properly. I got diazepam at the vets office and now I give him that before a thunderstorm. I can always tell when one is coming because about 30 to 20 minutes before he starts pacing and freaking out. If your dog goes into the closet and seems to be relaxed then this is a comfortable, safe place for him and that is a good thing. My dog can't find a spot for him to feel safe in and just freaks out that is why I give him the medication. I would let your dog into the closet if that's where he feels safe during the thunderstorm. If he starts to act like this isn't working though you may want to consider getting medication because larger dogs especially have been known to jump during windows, sliding glass doors and such during these times.
2006-12-10 08:19:32 · answer #2 · answered by two4fun05346 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There are tranquilizers that you can get for him. The trouble with those are that you need to give them the tranquizer about an hour before hand. That's how long it takes to take full effect, and with a thunderstorm it comes on so fast that you don't have any warning. It will work on the 4th of July and New Years when you know there will be loud noises outside. Call your vet and ask for suggestions. GL
2006-12-10 08:22:13 · answer #3 · answered by TotallylovesTodd! 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I had one (oddly, the same mix) who was scared to death of thunderstorms too.
The urge you have to comfort them can actually make it worse, since that tells them there is something to be afraid of. Just stay upbeat, and act like there is nothing wrong in the world. If you're fearless, eventually, the dog will adjust to that and not be so afraid. In the meantime, let him hide if he wants to. Just walk by every few minutes and say hello.
2006-12-10 08:18:43 · answer #4 · answered by Emmy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a small dog who is scared of everything. During loud storms he shakes and pants like hes dying. The best thing that I have found to calm him down is just putting him under a blanket and keeping close by. It's like he feels protected. Usually this works pretty well.
2006-12-10 08:56:32 · answer #5 · answered by Kendra 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Was your dog a rescue dog? Or was your dog owned previously by someone else?
It sounds like your dog is especially scared by loud noises because at some time when he was younger he had a very bad experience which he now associates with loud noises.
If you know of a Reiki practioner who works with animals, they can assist with the healing of emotional wounds. Also, flower essences may be of value for his healing.
It is good that at least you are offering him the comfort of the closet. Sometimes that is the best we can offer our emtionally wounded animals.
If you will put his name in the "additional comments" area I will send him distance Reiki. Good luck and blessings.
2006-12-10 08:41:38 · answer #6 · answered by lubinmt 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You gotta get his mind off the storm. A lot of playing and excitement. You have to make him think that the storm is party time. If you act like there is nothing wrong, he might start to think that everything is OK. Some dogs however are just never going to get over it. But you have to make an attempt to make him feel secure. When the storm hits, start throwing around his toys, and treats, and try to play with him.
Good Luck, I hope he gets past this.
2006-12-10 08:19:44 · answer #7 · answered by FRANKFUSS 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
benadryl...... It is not only a allergy medicine it has a purpose of calming dogs in stressful situations. I have a 30 pound dog that is scared of thunderstorms, my vet told me to give it 25 mg of benadryl and it calms the poor dog down enough that it really mellows him out. The correct dosage is 1mg per pond of body weight. 25 mg for a 30 pound dog. 50 mg for 50 pounds and over.
Do not worry it may put dog to sleepy land, but it is safe. call your vet for correct dosage for your dog.
2006-12-10 13:46:14 · answer #8 · answered by badgirl41 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My dog is exactly the same...
I have tried the 'be cruel to be kind' and just ignored him but it just made him worse...
What I do now is get him as far away from the windows and sit with him and keep giving him cuddles... After a while he calms down and stops shaking...
2006-12-10 08:22:41 · answer #9 · answered by yowrookopek 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think so. My lab is 12 and she is still afraid of thunder. She sits by the side of my bed in the night and I have to keep my hand on her head and keep reassuring her
2006-12-10 08:17:30 · answer #10 · answered by Hillaryforpresident 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋