6 Smart Tips for Treating Storm Phobia in Dogs
The wind picks up, thunder rumbles in the distance, and your dog is panting, shivering, and looking for a place to hide. Does that sound familiar? Storm phobia is an incredibly common problem for dogs, especially herding breeds. In extreme cases, dogs can injure themselves in sheer panic, or even become destructive or aggressive.
Without treatment, storm phobia in dogs gets worse over time. For pet owners who live in areas with frequent storms, their pet’s fear can be heartbreaking. The good news? There are a number of ways to put the brakes on storm phobia. With a little trial and error, you can find a treatment (or combination of treatments) that helps your dog feel safe during a storm.
Thunder Treats
In dogs with mild cases, simple counterconditioning can help relieve anxiety. Counterconditioning can also prevent puppies who haven’t had much exposure to storms from developing a phobia. The key is to pair something your dog loves with the earliest signs of a storm, and continue to offer it for as long as the storm lasts.
Try extra tasty treats like chicken or cheese, or something fun like throwing a ball or tug-of-war. Patricia McConnell, a renowned animal behaviorist and author of “The Other End of the Leash,” explains it this way: “Your goal is to condition your dog to associate thunder with something he loves, so that the emotional response to the thunderclap is ‘Yippee!’ instead of, ‘Oh, no!’”
Create Your Own Storm
For dogs with mild storm phobias, recordings of thunder can also be effective. Since you can’t always predict when storms will occur, such recordings allow you to control the frequency and intensity of exposure. Victoria Stilwell, a prominent advocate of positive reinforcement-based training, has produced a set of Canine Phobia Series CDs that include recordings of thunderstorms. Start by playing them at low volume, paired with your dog’s favorite treats or games. The goal is to gradually increase your dog’s ability to remain calm and happy during the recordings. When a real storm comes, she will be more prepared to deal with it.
Dress Your Dog Like a Superhero
When a storm approaches, many pet owners have noticed their dog heading for a bathtub, sink, or basement drain. (I’ve seen this with my old dog Blizzard, a Samoyed mix.) The changes in the atmosphere that come with a thunderstorm can create an uncomfortable build-up of static electricity in your dog’s fur, even causing painful jolts.
They seek out water because it’s grounding. To help relieve static, try the Storm Defender: a coat with a silver, antistatic lining. Nicholas Dodman, director of the Animal Behavior Program at Tufts University, set out to test the effectiveness of the Storm Defender . He found that the coat alleviated anxiety during thunderstorms. In fact, one of his test subjects reported that their dog “would run to the spot where the coat hung during storms and stare at it for a long time until his owner put it on him.”
Wrap your dog in a tight-fitting garment
Another option that might give your scared pup some relief? Pressure wraps. These tight-fitting vests apply sustained, comforting pressure to your dog’s upper body. Temple Grandin, a professor of animal science, has researched this method and discusses it in her book “Animals Make Us Human.” Dr. Grandin recommends putting the wrap on for 20 to 30 minutes, removing it for a similar period, and then putting it back on. A handful of companies offer them; we both like Anxiety Wrap and Thundershirt.
DIY Storm Bunkers
Your dog may try to seek out a “safe zone” when a storm is approaching. You can help by making sure there is a comfortable place available for your dog. The ideal space is underground and soundproof, but still warm and bright. Your dog may enjoy going into a crate or kennel, but you should keep the door open during a storm, as confinement can exacerbate your dog’s stress. A standing fan, music, or TV provide some white noise. You can also try placing sound-deadening materials in your dog’s safe space.
Supplements or Medication
There are a number of options that can help you treat your dog’s storm phobia.
Pheromones. Available via a diffuser, spray, or collar, Adaptile’s dog-appealing pheromones can reduce your dog’s anxiety—whether it’s related to fireworks, storms, travel, or separation. Many anecdotal accounts support Adaptil’s effectiveness during storms, as well as a research study published in the Journal of the British Veterinary Association that specifically evaluated its use for phobias.
Melatonin. This over-the-counter supplement is widely available. When using melatonin for storm phobia, pet owners report varying levels of relief. Dr. Dodman states in his book “The Well-Adjusted Dog” that while he has seen some success stories, melatonin is not always effective—“but it never hurts to try.” Talk to your veterinarian about appropriate dosages for your dog.
Prescription Medications. Especially in severe cases, medication can be a lifesaver for a storm-phobic dog. Your veterinarian can guide you through the different choices.
