TIPS TO HELP DOGS THAT SUFFER FROM
FEAR OF THUNDERSTORMS
Copyright © 2007 by Karyn Garvin
www.KarynGarvin.com

Symptoms of anxiety experienced by dogs during thunderstorms range from mild trembling to terrified dogs chewing their way through doors or crashing through plate glass windows. It is very important to do everything possible to reduce your dog’s anxiety during thunderstorms.  Unfortunately, a dog’s fear of thunderstorms tends to worsen with age.  By minimizing their anxiety level, you will also minimize the progression of worsening symptoms over the years.

1. Consult your veterinarian. Although no one loves the idea of medicating his/her dog, interrupting the progression of worsening symptoms is well worth it.
   
   
2. The Gentle Leader Calming Cap may be an ideal solution for the dog that is startled by lightening. It does have a generalized calming effect on a high percentage of stressed dogs but, as with most things in life, you won’t know until you try. Click here for more information on the Gentle Leader Calming Cap.
   
   
3. Deaden the sounds created by thunderstorms with Markout Wraps. Turning up the volume on your radio or TV will also help to drown out the noise. Click here for more information about Markout pet products.
   
   
4. A fear of thunderstorms is an inherited trait in most dogs. Because the behavior is inherent it cannot be eliminated. Desensitization techniques can help the symptoms but there is no cure. If you have a dog with a fear of thunderstorms, you should reconsider any plans to breed your dog since this is a gene that will be passed down. Similarly if you were going to purchase a puppy, this is a good question to ask of the breeder.
   
   
5. One of the best ways to protect your dog is to secure the environment. A dog door will allow your dog to escape the storm by retreating indoors. Similarly, if your dog is trying to escape the noise from inside the house they are less likely to destroy doors, or go thru glass when they have a dog door. The Invisible Fence brand solution also offers many solutions for keeping your dog safe at home. Invisible Fence brand will prevent fence jumping and other destructive behaviors that result from fear of thunderstorms.