Answers from Zootooers
Answered by Brenda P. (BDP) 9 months ago
I agree that you should not coddle her during storms. Do you enjoy music? play it a little louder during a storm and play with the dog. Make storm time play time. Keep very upbeat. Hopefully she will soom associate storms with a good time.
Answered by Ellen K. (EllenK115) 9 months ago
Some dogs do not do well with storms, loud sounds, etc. First off -- the worst thing you can do is coddle them and tell them it'll be OK. What that is doing is reinforcing the behavior to act scared -- and over time -- it could escalate. During the height of storm season (summer) you might want to be prepared... Ask your vet if there is anything that can be given to your pooch prior to the storm coming -- some type of sedative to calm the dog -- so while it's storming, pooch is kinda in a daze. Also -- during non-storm season -- you might want to get a tape of thunder sounds and work with your dog to desensitize her. It might be storms now -- but it could lead to being sensitive to other loud sounds... Good luck!
Answered by suzzieQ 9 months ago
my black lab maggie [RIP] did the same thing. someone lite a firecracker in front of her when she was less than a year old. our vet gave us D.A.P. or dog appeasing pheromone spray. we took two hanker-chiefs and tied them together. whenever a storm came around, we sprayed it and put it loosly around her neck. it really helped.
Answered by JaNeen H. (marleyman) 9 months ago
My Lhasa Marley is afraid of rain, lightening and thunder. What I have found to be helpful is I have a loud HEPA filter, that when I turn it on High, it drowns out all outside noise. Couple this with turning the lights on so they don't see the lightening also helps. So, if you have something loud like like this to create "white" noise, I have found it works best. I have tried other items such as calming pills, aromatherapy, etc, and they just don't work.
Answered by Jill R. (DocJill) 9 months ago
Some people use Rescue Remedy as a natural calming agent. If that isn't helpful, you can speak to your vet for a prescription sedative.
I had a dog that would become very upset with storms too. I would try to get her mind off it by turning up the tv or try to get her to play. She usually just went in the closet and hid until it was over.
