Storm Phobia
Thunderstorm anxiety is a form of noise phobia that can occur in dogs. It’s characterized by fear and anxiety when there are loud noises like thunder, fireworks or gunshots. Common signs of thunderstorm anxiety include excessive barking or whining, hiding, destructive behavior (chewing on furniture) and panting.
You may be able to prevent thunderstorm anxiety in certain dogs by creating a positive association with thunderstorms. This can be done by exposing your dog to loud noises and storms by playing recordings of storms in their presence. You’ll want to start at a low volume to gauge their response.
Dogs who experience chronic stress are more likely than others to develop fear-related behaviors such as aggression or excessive barking when they hear thunderstorms approaching (or even after one has passed). If you know that your dog has been through stressful events recently – such as being left alone too often or moving into a new home – you should seek professional help from a certified trainer who can teach you how best handle these situations so they don’t become triggers for anxiety later down the road.
To help your dog manage his anxiety, you’ll need to create a safe environment for them. One of the best ways to do this is by creating a thunderstorm-proof space in your home that has minimal exposure to light and sound. If possible, keep them away from windows and other areas where they could see or hear storms approaching. You can also try using sound therapy and other calming techniques during storms if they don’t cause too much disruption in your home. Sound machines are often used for this purpose, as well as calming music. Be sure to avoid punishment if your dog is experiencing anxiety, this can make things worse.
There are several treatment options for thunderstorm anxiety in dogs. The most common are behavioral treatments, which can be done by your veterinarian or a certified animal behaviorist. Your veterinarian can help you with diagnosing a noise phobia and differentiating it from other health concerns or anxieties. If no underlying medical issues can be found, your vet may prescribe medication for treating thunderstorm anxiety in dogs. These medications can help reduce stress levels during storms and make them feel less anxious overall. Typically, these are used if behavioral treatments don’t work. One of the better treatments, especially for small dogs is Sileo which works within 20 minutes.
In conclusion, if you’re the owner of a dog that suffers from thunderstorm anxiety, it’s important to know that there are steps you can take to help your pup feel better. The most important thing is to stay calm yourself and keep an eye on your dog during storms. If he seems anxious or starts exhibiting unusual behavior (like hiding under furniture), then it’s time to implement some changes.
Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical Center is dedicated to providing the best possible care for your pets. With focuses on compassionate care in surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation, preventative medicine, extensive diagnostics and emergency service, Palm City Animal Medical Center combines exceptional medical care with a caring philosophy for pets and their owners. For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit http://www.palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.
