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Dog Anxiety - The Best Way To Allay Your Dog’s Fear Of Thunderstorms

We often think that humans are beset by unreasonable phobias but many times our pets also have fears that when left untreated, can cause serious injury to themselves and their surroundings. One such form of dog anxiety is noise phobia - a condition that often manifests itself during storms.

The basis for the terror dogs have in thunderstorms have not been definitely settled on yet. Some experts say the drop of barometric pressure have something to do with it; others think it’s the atmospheres electric charge that is the main culprit. Perhaps it’s as simple as storms are just ominously dark, loud and scary. Whatever the reason, it is a common fear among the canine breed.

Dogs and thunderstorms are a combustible tandem. Mild noise phobias in canines show through a display of nervous energy, trembling, and hiding in nooks and corners throughout the duration of the storm. To alleviate this, take the dog to a spot where they are most at ease in. Usually it is an open crate or a bath tub. Condition him to head to this safe place each time he seems afraid and reward him accordingly.

Pets with more severe cases are easily affected by loud noises and should be observed carefully. These noise phobic animals have ruined furniture and have hurt themselves badly in the process. Some owners recount their dogs tearing through hard wall and carpets desperately even up to the point that they are scraped raw and bleeding.

There are two basic methods of behavior modification that experts employ in treating noise phobia in canines. One is desensitization. Desensitization is when the fearful noise is introduced to the dog very faintly at first, and increasing the intensity little by little until he is unafraid anymore. Make sure that when you try this, begin softly and as you progress, always keep it below the fear producing decibel your dog recognizes.

Another technique to cure dog anxiety is through counter conditioning. What this is is gradually increasing the source of fear while simultaneously giving him something he likes. If you are simulating a thunderstorm, start subtly and slowly amplify it while feeding the dog some yummy doggy treats. Do not continue if he is getting agitated. It is not good for the dog to associate the treats with unfavorable experiences.

If the behavior modification procedures as previously discussed do not work, natural and homeopathic treatments may be a good alternative to consider. Phosphorous 30C and Melatonin is known to drastically improve noise phobia conditions in canines. Take into account the size and breed of your particular pet when you consult with your vet as to the most effective dosage and treatment to take.

A common cause of frustration for many pet owners has often been dogs and thunderstorms. Studies are being developed continually to find a safe and thorough cure for this condition. In the meantime, it is prudent to do whatever we know to do to help comfort our pets. Visit the veterinarian regularly for check-ups and any changes in behavior.

How do you deal with your problem with dogs and thunderstorms? Read through some of Geraldine Dimarco’s most useful articles on dog anxiety and make sure your pet never has to undergo this again.

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