Donna Posted September 23, 2010 Share Posted September 23, 2010 Our poor little (5lb) toy fox terrier is absolutely terrified of thunder and lightning. We always know when a storm is on the way (at least 30 min prior) because she either runs and hides or stands on my feet like velcro. During the storm, she hides and pants, whines, etc...She looks like a gremlin. The best thing I have found so far is to hold, pet, and coo to her while a storm is happening. She seems to calm a bit that way but it has to be me...no other family member works. I always feel so bad for her if I am not home during a storm. I've had numerous dogs throughout my life but never had one like this. Any suggestions for helping to desensitize her or calm her would be appreciated? Does anyone else have a dog like this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mejane Posted September 23, 2010 Share Posted September 23, 2010 Our lab is terrified of thunder. He knows when a storm is coming before we do, and starts getting agitated. We put him in the garage and he hides in his crate until it passes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OLG Posted September 23, 2010 Share Posted September 23, 2010 Find a dark place where the poor thing feels safe and secure, usually nestled somewhere among comfy items on three sides at least. We, too, had a lab like this once. She would run to a special area with a bed under the stairs - made just for the summer monsoons! Mary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebecca VA Posted September 23, 2010 Share Posted September 23, 2010 Can you turn on the radio to some soothing classical music while you're gone? I've heard that dogs love classical music, and it might drown out the thunder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkholland Posted September 23, 2010 Share Posted September 23, 2010 I don't know how to post a link but....one poster on this board suggested the Thundershirt!! Google it...it is so neat and affordable. I have a stressed dog whenever I try to take him in the car. We haven't used the shirt exactly the way suggested, but he still likes to put it on. here is the web address www.thundershirt.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna Posted September 24, 2010 Author Share Posted September 24, 2010 Thank you for the suggestions. I went to the website and purchased a thundershirt...the theory behind it makes sense because she likes to squeeze into a small place (like between my thigh and the chair I am sitting in, giving herself direct pressure. I am hoping it will help her when I am not around to comfort her. I'll also try leaving some music on for her when a storm is forcast and we'll be away from home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vettechmomof2 Posted September 24, 2010 Share Posted September 24, 2010 other thoughts as well are Rescue Remedy or other Bach's flower essences. THey soemtimes help depending on the dog. If she is causing injury to herself then medicating might be worthwhile. There are also soundstracks out there to help desensitive them to the sounds of thunderstorms. And I know that the comforting seems to help her but it actually is teaching her that it is okay to feel scared about thunderstorms. Trying to go about your everyday life with her around you would be better. The Thundershirt is a great idea so good luck there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zaichiki Posted September 25, 2010 Share Posted September 25, 2010 Rescue Remedy works well on other animals we have during times of stress. (But you have to be there to administer it.) Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gaillardia Posted September 25, 2010 Share Posted September 25, 2010 other thoughts as well are Rescue Remedy or other Bach's flower essences. THey soemtimes help depending on the dog. If she is causing injury to herself then medicating might be worthwhile. There are also soundstracks out there to help desensitive them to the sounds of thunderstorms. And I know that the comforting seems to help her but it actually is teaching her that it is okay to feel scared about thunderstorms. Trying to go about your everyday life with her around you would be better. The Thundershirt is a great idea so good luck there! I'm not familiar with Thundershirt, but Rescue Remedy may help your pupper. I know people who use it for their dogs' thunder fears and others who use it when their dogs travel. Our dog (RIP) had mild thunder fear and strong fireworks fear. One 4th of July instead of leaving her home alone I sat outside with her while everyone else went to the fireworks. She was fine. ??? And she never was scared of any of it again. That was without Rescue Remedy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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