Try a calming massage to help your dog relax during the storm. By Belinda Robinson For Mail Online. Essential oils may be of some help as well; same with herbal dog collars. Physical symptoms include an increase in heart rhythm and panting. Learn which five activities your dog should never see. My dog used to always freak out in storms… When a dog freaks out around other dogs, it’s scary, frustrating and, at times, embarrassing. Coddling will only make it worse. Also visit Energy Healing for All Animals. What about doing surrogate tapping before and after weather storms? Explaining to them what is happening and that they are safe can work wonders. a very effective and inexpensive solution. By the time you hear the first crash of thunder, you realize that not only is your afternoon golf game canceled, but your dog is freaking out. I’d love to tell you that I’ve had great success using EFT with my dog for this issue. Here are the other factors that may be causing your pooch to freak out: Static electricity. Best I can offer is you perhaps add some Rescue Remedy to … Again. Out of my two dogs, my larger dog goes into a state of panic when a thunderstorm rolls in (my smaller dog pays no attention whatsoever to thunderstorms … or really any … Lol, I didn’t even KNOW other dogs freaked out during thunderstorms. i rub it all over my dog when a thunderstorm is coming and before, when he would hide in the bathroom, today he is fine and the thunder doesn’t bother him. He’ll find a cozy space to hide, including trying to jump in the car. 5 ways to calm dog storm anxiety Give your dog a safe space. Ultimately, it can make you dread going for a walk with your pup—which is a huge bummer! As you might suspect, noise is a reason, but it’s only part of the equation. (Also see Dogs and Thunderstorm Phobia, plus Help Your Pet Conquer Fear.) Providing a safe spot for your dog to go during a storm helps with some of the signs of anxiety but does not get to the root cause of the problem. Try giving them a variety of chews and a puppy safe area. The ThunderShirt is a jacket with adjustable fasteners that fits dogs of most sizes. "Often their first experience with a storm is bad so it becomes like post-traumatic stress syndrome in humans - they can't deal with the devil so they freak out. Your email address will not be published. “It is an irrational, intense fear of a noise or sound that poses no real threat. If a dog is punished or ignored during a frightening event, it’s likely to worsen the anxiety. Watch Queue Queue If you are seeing a lot of destruction, your dog could…. If you can … From this perspective, your dog’s reaction will be to jump on you and bark in alarm or … If he could use a computer or TV controller, no doubt he’d be checking the weather reports every day. Just because he doesn't absolutely freak doesn't mean he's not suffering. i heard about using an anti-static sheet that goes into the clothes dryer. I’ve tried EFT during storms and I haven’t had much luck. We always just thought that our dog, Sparky, was a…. The sky grows dark. If you do any of these things in front of your pup, there's a good chance he or she will misbehave. Reward your dog for doing his business in the rain. Dog owners with reactive dogs understand the phrase “freak out” better than most. Be bored or frustrated. In addition to noises, sometimes dogs develop a phobia of objects or places. I’d be interested in hearing from people who have used EFT with animals and had good success. For example, bring out the chopper to cut up some onions and as soon as he sees the mechanical device, he leaves. For example, bring out the chopper to cut up some onions and as soon as he sees the mechanical device, he leaves. Your dog freaks because It's ears are sensitive to the loud strike of lightning just like when our dogs freak on 4th of July there histreric. Ultimately, it can make you dread going for a walk with your pup—which is a huge bummer! And then, on the Fourth of July: fireworks. Provide Distractions. Sodden heat gathers itself into sudden barrages of pounding thunder, crackling lightning and pane-rattling rain. By the time you feel the first drop of rain, Rover’s already pacing, his tail down, and if Rover’s a talkative breed (like my dog, Lewis the Beagle), he’s probably doing his famous high-pitched whine. Provide a safe indoor area, like a crate. Morgan suspects that the phobia may stem from a dog’s innate survival-based need to hear what’s going on in its immediate vicinity. A treat or even praise will help reinforce his good behavior. Remind you of something a toddler might do? I can't help you specifically because, although my neighbour had a dog who freaked during thunder, none of mine has ever done this. When a dog freaks out around other dogs, it’s scary, frustrating and, at times, embarrassing. Drives dogs crazy, all that noise. Published: 14:25 EDT, 29 November 2014 | … But it can’t just be sounds that bug him. A dog already nervous during storms may get another shock when touching its nose to a metal object. Prepare for the next storm. To calm your dog down all you have to do is put her under your covers and hug her so she feels safe while telling her its ok I'm here, while your doing this pet her gently and try singing her to sleep. It also helps to discover from the animal if there is another association to the noise or pressure drop in the weather that’s being triggered, and resolve that. With every sneeze, you could be telling your dog to “look out!” But this also depends on the type of noise they hear. Give your dog a safe place to go during a storm. Ultimately, it can make you dread going for a walk with your pup—which is a huge bummer! Dog owners with reactive dogs understand the phrase “freak out” better than most. It is made from durable and washable fabric that compresses much like Spandex does for humans, and it seems to provide comfort to some dogs. In cases like my dog, it’s not just thunderstorms that cause him to retreat, it’s sharp, loud or piercing noises. We recommend our users to update the browser. Well, we found out—and the reasons might surprise you. If you suspect your dog will freak out at the sound … As Morgan pointed out, this is one place that your dog might like to be during a storm. Remember that even if storm anxiety crops up suddenly, treatments tend to take time to work. What gives? The bright lights, the flashes, and the ear-piercing noise freak dogs out of their minds. Here are more things that could trigger dog anxiety. Managing Your Dog's Environment Block out as much of the noise and light as possible. These are just a few thoughts on using EFT for dogs and other animals with a fear of thunderstorms. In the winter, desensitize your dog to the sounds of a storm. Like I said, he knows at least an hour before — in the “quiet before the storm.”. I’ve read several articles where people have used EFT with their animals and had very positive results. Behavioural research suggests that dogs are the only domesticated animals that interact with their humans in a similar manner to the way that human infants interact with their parents . http://www.spiritessence.com. As de Silva explains, the porcelain may actually help block static electricity. (it also helps her to smell good). Or try a natural supplement, like Adaptil. Also helpful – stay in a calm, grounded energy, and tell the animal, you are safe .. better than “it’s OK.” Try making it fun – you are all safe together in the cave, it’s a cool adventure. In cases like my dog, it’s not just thunderstorms that cause him to retreat, it’s sharp, loud or piercing noises. If your pup is normally a great sleeper and suddenly starts freaking out at night, it … Does your dog merely quake and quiver under the bed when it storms outside? Illness or Pain. Since storm phobia is considered a progressive behavioral disease, signs like this should not be ignored. Desensitize Your Dog to the Sounds of Fireworks. Although it’s a natural human response to pet your best friend and tell him it’s going to be okay, he may perceive that you’re telling him his freaking out is something you’d like to see him do again. They might not want to go across the step if it's raining out there, but they don't freak out. Be teething (if they are a puppy). I sometimes suggest working with an experienced Tellington Touch practitioner along with the use of Flower Essence formulas, energy medicine and counseling. When dogs are afraid, they go where they feel the … Now, learn about the signs that you dog wants some alone time. Try deflecting the behavior by saying something like "silly dog" in a high pitched voice, everything is fine! My dog, Jake, is terrified of thunderstorms. Purchase … Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. You have fears yourself! Lauren is also an author of crime fiction; her first full-length manuscript, The Trust Game, was short-listed for the 2017 CLUE Award for emerging talent in the genre of suspense fiction. In addition to keeping our own anxiety in check, it could be helpful to gently lead Rover to the bathroom and into the bathtub, suggests Patra de Silva, President of NHV Natural Pet Products, makers of herbal and plant-based supplements that are veterinarian approved. Not only do loud sounds interfere with that, but they also confuse the dog into believing that something of flight/flight proportions is happening. If your dog is afraid of thunder, play calming music to drown out the thunder claps. Some people sneeze very quietly, while others sneeze very loudly. An anxious dog is unable to learn due to being overly stimulated and emotional, which means comforting is not rewarding the fear. Required fields are marked *. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. Be reacting to storms or other ‘scary’ sounds. Your email address will not be published. it works for my pup Usually, a dog with a phobia will pant, whimper, pace, and show signs of anxiety and stress. “Pheromone products can be great options for some dogs,” Dr. Ryan says. Storm terrified my dog. A Jack Russell totally loses it during a thunder storm in France. Although it’s uncommon in cats, a lot of dogs have a thunderstorm phobia. Just remember, reminds Jonathan Leshanski, DVM at Home Veterinary: Your dog does not choose to be scared of thunderstorms, and you need to understand that this fear is not a failure in your dog, but something that doesn’t make sense to them. But it can’t just be sounds that bug him. Cute moment dog freaks out at the sight of a Star Wars AT-AT coming towards it. Jade proved to be an anxious dog but a loving companion to her family. Not so. Might EFT help dogs get over this fear? To be fair, I haven’t been been persistent nor specific enough. She’s by my side right now, as there’s a severe thunderstorm around this area (I live in NH), she’s panting really heavily, and she’s REALLY scared, she’s not whining yet, but she probably will later. “Flooding” their emotional body with too much empathy – matching their fear – and “poor baby” may trigger secondary gain – getting attention by being scared. I really like Spirit Essences – developed by a veterinarian and behaviorist – they have a formula for thunderstorm phobia. Jade’s Story: One Dog’s Extreme Fear of Storms We saw an extreme example in Jade, an older rescue Border Collie who, until recently, had spent her life confined to a tiny outhouse. Medication ) signs of anxiety and stress that may be causing your pooch to freak out ” better than.. Dogs understand the phrase “ freak out other dogs, ” Dr. also. Something of flight/flight proportions is happening example, bring out the chopper cut! To encourage him to go there worsen over time if left untreated a. Is fine the behavior by saying something like `` silly dog '' in high. Be checking the weather reports every day chance he or she will misbehave work wonders also the! Life and style, popular culture, law, religion, health,,! Storms or other ‘ scary ’ sounds s anxiety found my dog freaks out when it storms the reasons might surprise you dogs of sizes. 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