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Storms can
spark panic among pets
July 12, 2007
The typical weather pattern we're experiencing of rainy, stormy days
often means traffic delays, fighting with umbrellas and other little
annoyances. But for many of our pooches, heavy rain, and particularly
thunder and lightning, can bring on panic attacks that make some dogs
want to run, chew and claw their way out of a room, damaging their
surroundings and hurting themselves in the process.
Other dogs may whimper, run and hide.
In either case, witnessing their panic attacks is troublesome and
painful to see.
It's unknown why some dogs react so strongly to storms and others don't.
Some experts suspect it's their keen sense of smell and hearing, but
since all dogs have that it begs questions. Others theorize that it may
be a particular dog's sensitivity to atmospheric factors, such as static
electricity and fluctuations in barometric pressure.
One of the more interesting conjectures raised in a study suggests that
fear of thunderstorms may be genetic. The study found that working and
herding breeds -- those bred to react quickly to stimuli, such as
Labrador and golden retrievers and border collies -- seemed most prone
to the phobia.
Whatever the reasons, what most pet owners want to know is how to allay
a dog's fear and keep the animal calm.
Depending on the level of anxiety, there are modifications you can make
by simply changing your response or behavior. Some dogs react to an
owner's fear, so remaining calm and not translating your anxiety to them
is often suggested. Appear unfazed and even oblivious to what's going on
outside and keep an upbeat tone in your voice.
One initial reaction is to cuddle our pets when they are afraid and
anxious. As someone eligible for the award for "most over protective
mother," I understand that instinct. But in doing so we actually
reinforce those fears when we pay pets extra attention and ultimately
encourage them to react that way the next time.
Another tip that some dog owners have found successful is desensitizing
a pet to the sounds typical of thunderstorms. This can be done by either
recording thunderous sounds or buying a prerecorded CD. Start by playing
it a low volume and increasing it every day just a little bit more. The
idea is that they will become used to the sound until it is something
that's unnoticeable and merely background.
For some dogs, when the anxiety is extreme and it results in causing
physical harm to the animal, veterinary treatment or a consultation with
a behaviorist may be the best route.
In "Life with Marley," one of my favorite books and a writer's tribute
and account of life with his wild, crazy and loving Labrador retriever,
sedatives proved to be the only thing that would calm Marley.
The key for owners is to discover the best method of reducing our pets'
fears so that a rainy day can go from being stormy to mere annoyance.
- Gloria
Dauphin
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