My dog is scared of thunder storms.....?

Question

he always shakes and cuddles next to me when they are here.

what causes that and how can i help him?

yeah mine's scared of fireworks too.

Answer 1

When you cuddle and speak soothingly to a dog when it is showing fear behavior, you are only reinforcing the fear. You are not comforting the dog! Stay calm and ignore fearful behavior. Teach the dog to lay down quietly. Some dogs need sedatives to help them relax--talk to your vet.

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=1&cat=1310&articleid=2545

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1654

Answer 2

It just depends on the dog. I had Belgian Shepherds Groenendaels and the female hated storms and would escape from the yard and lie in my mother-in-laws garage facing our house. It was the only time she would escape. The male couldn't care less about the storms and I had lightening hit the shed next door with the most deafening explosion of light and sound. The male was in the front yard only metres away and wasn't worried at all. I have a Kelpie who also isn't fazed by thunder. I have a 5 month old Belgian Shepherd Malinois who hasn't been through a storm yet but as the build up is starting here I am going to desensitise him. A bit of an experiment cos I haven't done this before but we get some huge thunder storms here and I don't want him freaking out. By the way, all my dogs have been outside dogs, though not chained up. bzzflygirl: Good luck with your Belgian Shepherd. I think they are great dogs and make fantastic family pets.

Answer 3

During the thunder storm the lightening flash (if you can see them) will cue you that a thunder boom will shortly follow. Cup you hands over the dogs ears to lesson the sound.

If you crate your dog, try covering it with sound deading material when the dog is left alone.

Or, if you have a room in the basement or elsewhere, install sound deadening material on the interior surfaces.

Sedatives can take 30-60 minutes to have an effect, so you'll need to follow weather forecasts if that's your choice.

The best solution, but also maybe the hardest to accomplish, would be to help your dog overcome this fear or reaction to the loud noises.

Research how to reduce fear in dogs from expert sources. Some experts will say that dogs must confront their fears on their own in order to overcome them. A stepwise desensitization to noises may be an option for your guy. Talking softly and touching your dog when it becomes fearful may in fact reinforce the behavior.

You could also consult with an expert in dog behavior.

Answer 4

This is called 'gun shy,' by many vets. There's not much you can do about it. Small dogs even jump into bed and hide under the covers. Most dogs are gun shy, and most hunters will have to train their dogs not fear the sound of the shotgun when out on a hunting trip. This is often the bird hunters, such as grouse, duck, and rabbits. Beagles are the most sensitive to ear problems and loud noises.

Answer 5

My shitzu does the same thing and will practically try and get under me cause hes so scared! Sometimes dogs are just scared of loud noises, maybe when it was a pup something happened.. But my dog is just scared of loud noises so thunder really bugs him. Just reassure your dog that it will be okay and theres nothing to worry about :D good luck

Answer 6

my 9 year old staffy is still scared of thunder storms, the smoke alarm and fireworks... she just barks at the noise then hides behind me shaking... she survives each ordeal tho, i dont think its anything to worry about, dogs have fears likes humans.. i see it as part of her character!

Answer 7

Some dogs think it is something really big and it is gonna attack him. But Thunder storms are pretty scary to some people too. Make sure he knows that someone is protecting him. Make him feel safe by hugging him and comforting him. You have to gain his trust in you... Try making him feel safe.

Good luck!

Answer 8

I am a vet tech and I would ask your vet to order you a sedative. Its good for fireworks as well!! Dogs do have fears only because they have not been exposed to to what they fear too much.

Answer 9

My dog is the same way. Like humans, dogs have semi-rational fears. The best thing to do is comfort him, but if he ever starts getting anxiety attacks, ask your vet for sedatives . They will calm him down a bit. Also, if he isn't already, neutering would help.

Answer 10

just like a kid, dogs have these weird quirks and personalities, I have a 75lb dobe who is 9 and still terrified of thunder. I guess you could use training methods to stop it, I just comfort the big sissy...LOL