Thunder phobia and your dog

Posted at 10:34 AM on May 9, 2011 by Bob Collins (6 Comments)
Filed under: Weather

Today's early-morning thunderstorm has ushered in the "scared-dog" season in the Upper Midwest.

Some dogs are scared nearly to death by thunder and lightning (or fireworks, or gunshots) . The Current's Mary Lucia and I were conducting our own research (which usually consists merely of talking about it) a couple of years ago, but then my thunderstorm-hating dog died and the new Blog Dog couldn't give a rip about the weather.

The most intriguing "solution" we found, however, is the assertion that rubbing a dog with "dryer sheets" can make a difference, and indeed both of us found they appeared to make a slight difference. Why? It removes static electricity, which may have something to do with why the mutt is freaking out, according to the Knowing Dogs blog.

Help reduce the possibility that static electricity is an issue by rubbing a dryer sheet, such as "Bounce™ lightly over your dog. Be sure to purchase the unscented variety. It is helpful to rub this on yourself as well, so you do not accidentally shock your dog when you touch him on a stormy day. Don't wait until the middle of a storm to use this tip, simply rub the dryer sheet lightly over your dog's fur every morning during thunderstorm season.

Thunderstorm phobia seems to increase in dogs as they get older; that's led some to believe that the storm has something to do with aggravating arthritic pain .

Other possible aids? One vet suggests dressing your pooch in an old shirt. Be advised that if you try something like, we're going to require pictures.

Many dogs seem to find comfort in a tight space. Bathtubs are a favorite refuge. They are seeking the security that a small or covered space can offer. For many dogs, you can provide comfort by putting them in a tight shirt or leotard, providing the sensation of being wrapped and protected. There are commercial variations on this theme. Many have magnetic properties or other special features which set them apart. What they generally have in common is that they are expensive. I generally recommend that owners start by putting an old shirt on the dog. You can snug it tight with rubber-bands and see if this helps calm the fears. If this provides some relief, you can feel more confident that the purchase of an anxiety wrap will be of benefit to you. I have many clients who just continue with a shirt and others who try the commercial products. For those who buy, there are a percentage who seem to improve further and then of course there are others who did as well with the shirt. I used to be surprised by the effectiveness of such a simple concept until I thought about the difference in laying down yourself with no covers or blankets- it is a feeling of exposure- which goes away quickly and irrationally if you just pull up a sheet.

If you've got a tried-and-true solution, or just want to help our "research," pass it along below.

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Comments (6)

That explains why Thor's dog is so stressed out.

Posted by Bob Moffitt | May 9, 2011 11:38 AM

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I've often heard that part of the reaction to thunder and fireworks comes from "force" of the sound. The sensitivity to that would most likely be breed dependent. I've also heard that the dogs advanced sense of smell may be part of what gets them edgy even before the storm hits. (They can smell it in the air.)

Of course our dog doesn't react too strongly to thunderstorms. (Fireworks on the other hand can get him barking.) The cat on the other hand goes for the "security that a small or covered space can offer." She tends to hide behind the toilet in the bathroom, between it and the wall, during strong storms.

Posted by JackU | May 9, 2011 11:42 AM

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We've had luck with Acepromazine. It's a pretty powerfully sedative medication though, so we try to use it sparingly and only if the storms are big and bad. (like last night). It takes some timing though. Sometimes we'll give her the pill right at the start of a heavy thunderstorm but it doesn't seem to kick in until the storm has passed. We have a soon to be 13 year old Golden Retriever...at least I hope she makes it to thirteen. I was not at home for last night's storms. My wife had the unenviable duty to soothe the beast, holding and petting her until the acepromazine kicked in....about the time it got quiet in the skies.

Posted by jay sieling | May 9, 2011 11:52 AM

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I've often wondered whether or not getting your dogs used to loud noises early on in 'puppyhood' makes a difference. I've never known of a hunting dog that cared about thunderstorms or fireworks. While neither of my two mutts are working dogs as it were (forced early retirement) neither of them cares about loud sounds, and both were trained as hunting dogs when they were puppies.

They care so little in fact that the last time I actually made a dash for the basement during a severe storm, my larger dog wouldn't/didn't wake up until I was half down the basement stairs with him over my shoulder.

Posted by CHS | May 9, 2011 1:18 PM

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Why an unscented Bounce sheet? It seems the antidote to thunderstorm anxiety might as well have the added benefit of improving the dog's odor, which only worsens when duty calls in the rain.

Posted by GG | May 9, 2011 1:22 PM

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The Thundershirt has worked wonders for our dogs.

Posted by Jennifer | May 10, 2011 10:20 AM

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