02/06/2016
Reisner Veterinary Behavior Services, LLC
Tuesday's Pearl: Dos and Don'ts for Thunderstorm Fear
For some dogs, thunderstorms trigger a great deal of distress. Here are some suggestions for what to do, and what not to do, if your dog is a member of that club. Even if the fear seems mild, keep in mind that storm fears usually worsen during future seasons -- early intervention is usually the best idea.
DO NOT...
1) ...punish your dog for digging, scratching, or other destructive behavior during a thunderstorm. He is panicked and trying to escape. If you punish him, you will teach him to not only be afraid of the storm, but also to be afraid of you. This will not help his behavior to improve.
2) ...confine your dog in a crate or a small room/closet with the door shut.
3) ...worry about comforting your dog. It may not help – but it won’t hurt. You can’t make the fear worse by “rewarding” it. Your dog’s panic is not something she can turn on and off.
4) ...rely **only** on cuddling, because you won’t always be there to hold your dog during storms.
5) ...force your dog to go outside during a storm.
DO...
1) ...block your dog’s view of the outdoors by pulling the window blinds or blocking him out of rooms with many windows.
2) ...create a safe spot for your dog – let him guide you. If he curls up under your desk or in your closet, make that his safe spot. Entice him to go there if possible. Turn on the radio, TV, fan or “white noise” machine.
3) ...give your dog something distracting to do like a chewing a food-filled toy or playing his favorite games. Interact with him by asking him to sit or lie down on a mat. Practice his favorite tricks.
4) ...hand your dog 3 toys from the toy box that he hasn’t seen in a while.
5) ...act easy-going and happy to be playing with him during the storm.
6) ...try an Adaptil (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) diffuser, collar or spray in the safe spot.
7) ...try a Thundershirt, Anxiety Wrap, or DIY wrap - it does help with some dogs.
8) ...try to ignore the anxious behavior and redirect him, instead, to a game or an activity that he can perform easily.
Also important, if your dog is fearful enough that it’s interfering with her or your quality of life (or sleep), talk to your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medication for the season. Medication absolutely does not have to be a "last resort". It might also be helpful to day-board your dog on storm days so that he’s not alone.
