Is your dog scared of thunder? Why do certain dogs become fearful of loud noises such as thunder and fireworks<\/a>, but\u00a0others remain unruffled? Nobody\u2019s completely sure. In some cases, puppyhood trauma (such as being tied up outside for long intervals) may have something to do with it. Some owners claim that specific breed temperaments may play a role, and\u00a0in other cases, sensitive hearing or separation anxiety may contribute. What\u2019s certain is that for some canines, a minor case of nerves can escalate into a full-blown phobia \u2014 an excessively panicked, irrational, chronic fear response.<\/p>\n What Are Dogs Scared Of? How to Help Dogs Overcome Their Fears<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Is your dog scared of thunder? Photography \u00a9hidako | Thinkstock.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n My dog Grant is scared of thunder. Like many dogs who struggle with unexplained fear of thunder, Grant seems unusually sensitive to any storm-related occurrence, such as changes in barometric pressure. Once the rumbles begin, his anxiety rapidly escalates into overwhelming terror. So, for us, it\u2019s especially unfortunate that summer\u2019s humid conditions can produce some of the biggest storms of the year.<\/p>\n A dog scared of thunder can result in\u00a0hiding, urinating, excessive panting<\/a>, drooling<\/a>, trembling<\/a>, whining<\/a>, eye-rolling and\/or frantic efforts to escape<\/a>. If you\u2019re Grant, they include all of the above \u2026 and some of his escape efforts have led to painful injury. The cruel irony is that if we, as owners, fawn over Grant or try to over-comfort him, we\u2019re essentially reinforcing his panic behavior. A dog often interprets this pronounced reassurance as confirmation that the event taking place truly is worthy of panic.<\/p>\n Check out Whole Dog Journal’s tips for soothing a dog who is afraid of thunder >><\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n There\u2019s no guarantee that you can ever fully resolve your dog\u2019s fear of thunder. Is your dog scared of thunder? There are ways that you can manage it effectively. Here are six\u00a0strategies \u2014 from a Thundershirt for dogs to increasing exercise \u2014 that have worked especially well for us:<\/p>\n If you remember nothing else, remember this: Constant petting or consoling is often interpreted by pets as a reward for the fearful response \u2014 or reinforcement that the fearful response is warranted. Conversely, punishment will only increase a panicked pet\u2019s anxiety level. Our solution? Projecting a calm, cool vibe and giving Grant attention in the form of playing, grooming, or other activities he normally enjoys.<\/p>\n Manufacturers of the Thundershirt claim an 80% success rate when it comes to calming fearful canines. Photography by Marybeth Bittel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Not to state this too strongly, but the\u00a0Thundershirt<\/a> is a miracle. This snug garment (available online or at most pet-supply stores) attaches around Grant\u2019s body with Velcro and produces a \u201cswaddling\u201d effect that calms down his panicked panting. It often begins working within minutes, and on a few occasions Grant has actually drifted off to sleep (yes!<\/em>). Complementary therapies we sometimes use include Rescue Remedy<\/a>, which is based on calming Bach flower essences, and Ark Naturals Happy Traveler<\/a>, a botanically based chew that can produce a calming effect. You can also try calming essential oils or pheromones, such as the canine-calming pheromone DAP. This can be found in Comfort Zone products<\/a>.<\/p>\n Changing your pet\u2019s location can be surprisingly effective, because it may help reduce the storm\u2019s volume level or make your pet less aware of it. Grant, for instance, likes to hang out on the bathroom rug with the overhead fan droning away whenever it storms outside. This creates a \u201cwhite noise\u201d that blocks out the sounds that disturb him.<\/p>\n Allowing your pet access to the basement, or a room without windows, may have a similar effect. Some pups find that a closet or the area under the bed feels especially safe and secure. If your pet heads for his crate, try covering it with a blanket to increase feelings of security. However, keep the crate door open so your pet won\u2019t feel confined (which can dramatically increase anxiety).<\/p>\n When thunderstorms are predicted, we try to take Grant for a few extra walks before the clouds roll in. This helps to tire him both mentally and physically. Many vets claim that it can also boost natural serotonin levels, which then act as a natural calming aid.<\/p>\n This fancy behavioral term simply means we help Grant to associate something negative (the thunderstorm) with something positive. For example, we keep Grant\u2019s all-time favorite toy hidden away and bring it out to play when he begins to feel nervous about an approaching storm. We\u2019ll sometimes feed him an extra-special treat during these times, as well, such as a small piece of bacon or cheese. This diverts his focus, and enjoying the treat\/toy during the storm has gradually helped to recondition his response.<\/p>\n We practice this during the off-season for thunderstorms, usually over the winter. To begin, simply play a CD or iPod mix of storm sounds at an extremely soft level. While your dog remains relaxed at this level, say a simple cue word like \u201cchill\u201d and provide a yummy treat every 15 seconds or so. Then, gradually extend the time your pet needs to remain relaxed before earning the treat.<\/p>\n Once your pup can remain relaxed on command, increase the volume a single notch and repeat the process. If at any time your pet shows pronounced fear or panic, go back to the previous volume level, say the cue word, and reward for staying calm. When an actual storm takes place, continue using this same cue\/reward system.<\/p>\n Grant exhibits a fairly intense fear response when it comes to thunderstorms. The good news is we\u2019ve managed to help him cope without resorting to the use of pharmaceuticals. If none of these approaches work for you, have a candid conversation with your vet. In extreme cases, there are medications that can help keep your pup comfortable. But take a cue from Grant — a little dedication and ingenuity from you may be all that\u2019s necessary to help your canine cope successfully!<\/p>\n Thumbnail:\u00a0Photography \u00a9 garybis | iStock \/ Getty Images Plus.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n This piece was originally published on August 10, 2015.<\/em><\/p>\n The post Is Your Dog Scared of Thunder? 6 Tips for Soothing Him<\/a> by Marybeth Bittel<\/a> appeared first on Dogster<\/a>. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n The post Is Your Dog Scared of Thunder? 6 Tips for Soothing Him<\/a> by Marybeth Bittel<\/a> appeared first on Dogster<\/a>. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.<\/p>\n Is your dog scared of thunder? Why do certain dogs become fearful of loud noises such as thunder and fireworks<\/a>, but\u00a0others remain unruffled? Nobody\u2019s completely sure. In some cases, puppyhood trauma (such as being tied up outside for long intervals) may have something to do with it. Some owners claim that specific breed temperaments may play a role, and\u00a0in other cases, sensitive hearing or separation anxiety may contribute. What\u2019s certain is that for some canines, a minor case of nerves can escalate into a full-blown phobia \u2014 an excessively panicked, irrational, chronic fear response.<\/p>\n What Are Dogs Scared Of? How to Help Dogs Overcome Their Fears<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Is your dog scared of thunder? Photography \u00a9hidako | Thinkstock.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n My dog Grant is scared of thunder. Like many dogs who struggle with unexplained fear of thunder, Grant seems unusually sensitive to any storm-related occurrence, such as changes in barometric pressure. Once the rumbles begin, his anxiety rapidly escalates into overwhelming terror. So, for us, it\u2019s especially unfortunate that summer\u2019s humid conditions can produce some of the biggest storms of the year.<\/p>\n A dog scared of thunder can result in\u00a0hiding, urinating, excessive panting<\/a>, drooling<\/a>, trembling<\/a>, whining<\/a>, eye-rolling and\/or frantic efforts to escape<\/a>. If you\u2019re Grant, they include all of the above \u2026 and some of his escape efforts have led to painful injury. The cruel irony is that if we, as owners, fawn over Grant or try to over-comfort him, we\u2019re essentially reinforcing his panic behavior. A dog often interprets this pronounced reassurance as confirmation that the event taking place truly is worthy of panic.<\/p>\n Check out Whole Dog Journal’s tips for soothing a dog who is afraid of thunder >><\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n There\u2019s no guarantee that you can ever fully resolve your dog\u2019s fear of thunder. Is your dog scared of thunder? There are ways that you can manage it effectively. Here are six\u00a0strategies \u2014 from a Thundershirt for dogs to increasing exercise \u2014 that have worked especially well for us:<\/p>\n If you remember nothing else, remember this: Constant petting or consoling is often interpreted by pets as a reward for the fearful response \u2014 or reinforcement that the fearful response is warranted. Conversely, punishment will only increase a panicked pet\u2019s anxiety level. Our solution? Projecting a calm, cool vibe and giving Grant attention in the form of playing, grooming, or other activities he normally enjoys.<\/p>\n Manufacturers of the Thundershirt claim an 80% success rate when it comes to calming fearful canines. Photography by Marybeth Bittel.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Not to state this too strongly, but the\u00a0Thundershirt<\/a> is a miracle. This snug garment (available online or at most pet-supply stores) attaches around Grant\u2019s body with Velcro and produces a \u201cswaddling\u201d effect that calms down his panicked panting. It often begins working within minutes, and on a few occasions Grant has actually drifted off to sleep (yes!<\/em>). Complementary therapies we sometimes use include Rescue Remedy<\/a>, which is based on calming Bach flower essences, and Ark Naturals Happy Traveler<\/a>, a botanically based chew that can produce a calming effect. You can also try calming essential oils or pheromones, such as the canine-calming pheromone DAP. This can be found in Comfort Zone products<\/a>.<\/p>\n Changing your pet\u2019s location can be surprisingly effective, because it may help reduce the storm\u2019s volume level or make your pet less aware of it. Grant, for instance, likes to hang out on the bathroom rug with the overhead fan droning away whenever it storms outside. This creates a \u201cwhite noise\u201d that blocks out the sounds that disturb him.<\/p>\n Allowing your pet access to the basement, or a room without windows, may have a similar effect. Some pups find that a closet or the area under the bed feels especially safe and secure. If your pet heads for his crate, try covering it with a blanket to increase feelings of security. However, keep the crate door open so your pet won\u2019t feel confined (which can dramatically increase anxiety).<\/p>\n When thunderstorms are predicted, we try to take Grant for a few extra walks before the clouds roll in. This helps to tire him both mentally and physically. Many vets claim that it can also boost natural serotonin levels, which then act as a natural calming aid.<\/p>\n This fancy behavioral term simply means we help Grant to associate something negative (the thunderstorm) with something positive. For example, we keep Grant\u2019s all-time favorite toy hidden away and bring it out to play when he begins to feel nervous about an approaching storm. We\u2019ll sometimes feed him an extra-special treat during these times, as well, such as a small piece of bacon or cheese. This diverts his focus, and enjoying the treat\/toy during the storm has gradually helped to recondition his response.<\/p>\n We practice this during the off-season for thunderstorms, usually over the winter. To begin, simply play a CD or iPod mix of storm sounds at an extremely soft level. While your dog remains relaxed at this level, say a simple cue word like \u201cchill\u201d and provide a yummy treat every 15 seconds or so. Then, gradually extend the time your pet needs to remain relaxed before earning the treat.<\/p>\n Once your pup can remain relaxed on command, increase the volume a single notch and repeat the process. If at any time your pet shows pronounced fear or panic, go back to the previous volume level, say the cue word, and reward for staying calm. When an actual storm takes place, continue using this same cue\/reward system.<\/p>\n Grant exhibits a fairly intense fear response when it comes to thunderstorms. The good news is we\u2019ve managed to help him cope without resorting to the use of pharmaceuticals. If none of these approaches work for you, have a candid conversation with your vet. In extreme cases, there are medications that can help keep your pup comfortable. But take a cue from Grant — a little dedication and ingenuity from you may be all that\u2019s necessary to help your canine cope successfully!<\/p>\n Thumbnail:\u00a0Photography \u00a9 garybis | iStock \/ Getty Images Plus.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n This piece was originally published on August 10, 2015.<\/em><\/p>\n The post Is Your Dog Scared of Thunder? 6 Tips for Soothing Him<\/a> by Marybeth Bittel<\/a> appeared first on Dogster<\/a>. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7078","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.dogster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/A-scared-dog-hiding-under-the-bed.jpg\")
<\/p>\nDealing with a dog scared of thunder \u2014 my personal story<\/h3>\n
1. Watch your own behavior during a thunderstorm<\/h3>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.dogster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/thundershirt-600x525.jpg\")
<\/p>\n2. Use the\u00a0Thundershirt to lessen your\u00a0dog’s fear of thunder<\/h3>\n
3. Switch environments when it starts to thunder<\/h3>\n
4. Increase exercise before a thunderstorm starts<\/h3>\n
5. Use counterconditioning during a thunderstorm
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\n6. Try desensitization if your dog is scared of thunder
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\nRead\u00a0more stories about dogs with anxieties and phobias\u00a0on Dogster.com:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
<\/p>\nDealing with a dog scared of thunder \u2014 my personal story<\/h3>\n
1. Watch your own behavior during a thunderstorm<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\n2. Use the\u00a0Thundershirt to lessen your\u00a0dog’s fear of thunder<\/h3>\n
3. Switch environments when it starts to thunder<\/h3>\n
4. Increase exercise before a thunderstorm starts<\/h3>\n
5. Use counterconditioning during a thunderstorm
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\n6. Try desensitization if your dog is scared of thunder
\n<\/strong><\/h3>\nRead\u00a0more stories about dogs with anxieties and phobias\u00a0on Dogster.com:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n