Have searched for old thread on this, must be one, not finding it.
Pup growls at thunder today-new development.
Last ACD got BAD about storms(under buildings etc.) My IG was ok until about 2 yrs ago (shes 12-13), now she shakes like a leaf as a storm approaches (more reliable than the weatherman!)
My present tack is to do a little marker work right during the height of it, act like life is normal, no big deal.
Suggestions?
My old girl is getting worse with her phobia as she gets older. She is 12 as well.
I now medicate her using Valium as soon as I know a line of storms is moving in. We are using Hydroxyzine Pamoate for her allergies now too, and I know that doubles as an anxiety med, so I might try that next time around.
I didn't start medicating until I had tried lots of desensitizing to no avail.
I think part of it is a slow down in processing and diminishing of hearing and sight. Thank goodness she has not rubbed off on my younger ones.
With Loki, during really bad storms I will feed him, give him a kong filled with something super special like canned tuna or chicken or cat food or some other kind of great toy or chewie.
This way I don't do anything that make him suspicious by getting too wound up, and we don't bother Nico with too much commotion. She has been known to get snippy when in her fear state during bad storms.
I'd prefer to start medicating sooner rather than later. Dogs learn with each repetition either to be scared of it or that they don't need to fear it. Training is great if you can do it during storms, but most storms either came in the middle of the night or when I was at work around here. I started to give Kipp valium a year and a half ago after a huge storm came through and he decided all storms were something to be afraid of. He'd be barking, shaking and obviously very agitated.
The happy result has been that, after giving valium for several storms in a row both last year and this year, Kipp has significantly relaxed about storm in general. The last storm that came through in the middle of the night he just hopped up on the bed and snuggled next to me - a vast improvement over the "shaking so hard the bed shakes" and trying to lay on top of or underneath my head trying to hide from it.
Medication is a great idea.
I HATE flying. The the cramped seat, being in the air, claustrophobia, I cringe about every noise, think about busted hydraulic hoses etc.
A few years ago I got a prescription. Took one (alprazolam) when the plane pushed back from the gate. Maybe another if it got really bumpy.
After 4 years of this the airport seems like an opportunity to re-visit the 60's.
I have to be (somewhat heavily) medicated to go to the dentist. I am phobic, I know it isn't logical, but I can not handle being there without Valium.
I will pull into the parking lot, burst into tears and call them to cancel the appointment.
Even with medication I am still prone to cry, and they have to use happy gas before they ever touch my teeth.
But I don't have the overwhelming feeling of panic and anxiety.
It was the development of this phobia in myself that was the catalyst for going ahead and medicating my dog during storms.
Why on earth would I put her through that sort of fear reaction when there was a viable relatively safe option to help her.
If it's the noise and not the pressure changes in the air, you can try putting cotton in the dogs ears. It's a common trick for horses when they are going to be working in a very loud environment. Helps dull the noise, so they are less likely to react to it.
Jamie Craig Webboard User Reg: 09-01-2009
Posts: 986
Loc: Munroe Falls, OH
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During our first really bad thunderstorm (lightning hitting right outside our apartment....or in the case of the building across from us...on it)
we did OB the entire time on leash (to avoid zooming freakouts). We used the frisbee inside (super super special treat) and pepperoni and everytime the lightning cracked or the thunder boomed I asked for eye contact and he was praised. Thunderstorms don't even register with him now (though he does know they're coming because he asks to get outside so he can pee before they start)
My late GSD would jump into the bathtub and hide. So cute.
I had one that did that too.
My last GSD ripped our back door up badly when we forgot to tell the housesitters they needed to stay home on 4th of July evening! Storms, gunshots, fireworks, - he hated it all. I could not convince my husband to not make a deal over it, so I think he made it worse before we knew what we were doing. He would baby him - and that was the worst thing we could have done.
So far, so good with Ruby. She takes no notice of any strange noises and I have threatened my husband to death if he registers any emotion at all during a storm.
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Development of thunderstorm phobia
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