Four Methods for Reducing Thunderstorm Phobia in Dogs from Shelters

As I found out after Sir Pooch, my shepherd mix dog, began shaking violently during thunderstorms, herding dog breeds and shelter dogs are especially prone to storm anxiety. The percentage may be even higher than the fifteen to thirty per cent of all dogs who are affected by storms, according to a study done by Dr. Nancy Dreschel, veterinarian. "Affected," however, is a broad term that can include any behavior from trembling and shaking, whining and panting, jumping on owners and tearing up furniture, breaking windows and trying to claw a way through doors and under fences, to actually escaping and running away. Shelters tend to fill up with lost dogs after thunderstorms and firework displays, according to Sharla Dawson on Suite 101.

Sir Pooch was doubly susceptible being both a herding dog mix (shepherd, collie, etc.) and a dog from a shelter, with high sensitivity, intelligence, and insecurity. Although the forecast was for highly likely storm fears, it did not mean that those fears had to escalate into a full blown thunderstorm phobia. It all depended on modifying my own behavior in order to modify his.

Modifying Your Behavior to Avoid Reinforcing Your Shelter Dog's Fear of Storms

Drop the "poor baby" tone of voice that would signal you are in agreement with the dog. Be Hard-hearted Hannah (or Harry) and do not feel sorry for him. He is tuned in to your moods and will surmise that things must be really scary if you think so too. He will also think he is getting special attention and approval for being afraid. Use a normal, even playful, tone of voice.

Do not hug the dog and pat him consolingly, which simply reinforces his belief that he is in danger. Instead, behave normally whether he does or not. Throw his ball, feed him, even ignore him. (Sir Pooch will not play or eat during a storm, but at least he gets the message that I think things are fine.)

Make the dog be still. Do not allow a frightened dog to jump on you, climb on you, claw at you, or sit on you. Tell him "down" forcefully. Leash him if necessary so you can control frantic movement.

Modifying the Dog's Environment to Reduce Thunderstorm Phobia

Turn on some white noise to lessen the impact of the sounds of thunder and lightning. White noise is the static on the radio when the dial is between stations, or when the television is set to an off channel, or from white noise machines. However, the regular noise of the TV, the fan, the dryer, and/or the dishwasher, may work as well.

Close all curtains to block views of lightning and madly swaying trees.

Call him in to a "safe" room with you in which you can block out storm sounds and sights, and shut the door. Or put him in a haven like the bathroom, or his cage. Some dogs have been known to calm down when placed in an empty bath tub.

Make him wear a shirt. Put pressure (not stress) on him in the form of a tight shirt. Any tight t-shirt or sweatshirt is fine, or you can buy a "Thundershirt." The idea is that the shirt hugs the dog tight, like swaddling for a crying baby. Thundershirts have also been shown to stop excessive barking, and allay separation anxiety. See the video on the Thundershirt site home page.

Give him an antihistamine pill. Our vet has prescribed these for allergic reactions, and I have noticed their calming effect on Sir Pooch. Sometimes this is all it takes. Of course I have to disguise the pill in peanut butter, pry the dog's jaws open and force him to swallow it. Check with your vet first.

Play soothing music. There are lullabies recorded to the rhythm of the human heartbeat that calm crying babies. Guess what? They also soothe anxious dogs. The next time he is upset, try playing this demo for your dog . You can also see this amazing YouTube clip showing how effective canine lullabies are on shelter dogs.

Start a Desensitizing Program.

This involves playing a recording of a thunderstorm at increasingly higher volumes over a number of days. Start at very low volume, play "fetch" at the same time, or do some other favorite activity, and reward the dog for obedience. Gradually torn up the volume. If the dog shows fear at a certain volume level, go back to the level before at your next 20 minute session. Do not reward the dog when he is being fearful or anxious. You'll find detailed instructions for desensitization here. This technique is not a quick fix, but can take days or weeks. Record your sound track or buy one commercially.

Ask the Vet for Medication Only If Necessary.

Medications such as Valium, Prozac and others have been shown to be effective in reducing thunderstorm phobia in dogs, but there are drawbacks. Some such meds have to build up in the dog's system over time to take effect. That means you may have to medicate the dog all the time so he'll be ready for storms. Other medications don't take effect immediately and must be given before the storm, which means you have to predict the weather. Also, these medications are expensive and habit-forming.

Four Ways to Reduce Thunderstorm Phobia

The four successful methods for reducing thunderstorm phobia in dogs cover the spectrum from easy to difficult, time consuming and expensive. Start first with behavior modification (yours and the dog's), and environmental modification, before trying desensitization and medication. Any method you use will be more effective on a healthy dog who is well fed and regularly exercised. Even dogs with a propensity for thunderstorm anxiety, such as the herding breeds, and dogs who have been in shelters, can overcome anxiety and fear through lack of reinforcement, and patient training.

Sir Pooch is a shining example of the effectiveness of behavior and environmental modification, plus popping an antihistamine once in a while. It has not been necessary to play storm recordings for him, or sedate him, for which I am very grateful. During the last local tornado watch, all he wanted to do was play fetch. I was the one in the bathtub with a pillow over my head.

Sources:

http://www.suite101.com/content/calming-a-dog-scared-of-thunder-a24579
http://www.suite101.com/content/thunderstorm-phobia-in-dogs-a53806#ixzz10wYZzAHa
http://www.thundershirt.com/?gclid=CLv8xoH3zJ4CFQoeDQod7TthsQ
http://www.dogsonly.org/StormFear.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwEMc6KQUJs&NR=1