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My Dog Is Scared Of Thunderstorms. Share Your Tips.

My Dog Is Scared Of Thunderstorms. Share Your Tips.

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There was a time when I would read about people having dogs that were scared of thunderstorms and I would thank my lucky stars that I didn’t have one of those dogs.  I couldn’t relate, my dogs were anxiety free of loud sounds, and I was happy about that because it seemed so stressful to have a dog with thunder phobia.

Things have changed.

Sherman is scared of thunderstorms.

Well, scared is an understatement.

He’s terrified of thunderstorms.

It’s been a growing fear of his for the past 2 years.

I saw it coming on but I didn’t realize how bad that it had gotten until Friday night when we had a severe thunderstorm move through town.

I blame myself for not being more on top of it because all day I knew that the storm was coming and I should of prepared Sherman for it way before hand but I didn’t know that his fear had gone to red zone.

Sherman’s not destructive with his thunderstorm phobia, he’s severe anxiety with pacing, panting, wanting to hide, seeking comfort and the look of fear in his eyes.

The panting was pretty bad this time. We had just had an unseasonably hot day that he was coping with and the anxiety of the storm was making it ten times harder on him.

I had a few things on hand that I tried but they were things that I should of given him a few hours before the storm was here.

We obviously have an issue that needs to be dealt with and I need to have a better plan in place for next time. I’m kind of familiar with some of the products out there but since I know that many of you deal with this with your own dogs for years, I’d like to hear your input on what you have found to work.

Here’s what I tried yesterday:

Pet Releaf. Pet Releaf is a CBD hemp oil.  I had this on hand because I’m trying to review it and it has been proven to help dogs that suffer from anxiety. I’m really torn on the product right now which is why I haven’t written more about it. I like it and I am finding that it works on anxiety but I just gave it too late this time.

Rescue Remedy. I’ve used this product for years with pretty good results but again, I gave it too late this time. I’m also wondering if Sherman’s anxiety is above this now.

Have you had any luck with pheromone sprays?

Sherman seems to seek out the bathroom for a safe room so I allowed him to be in there as long as he needed and I also did my best to offer him reassurance. I didn’t leave him alone.

I’m really considering  a Thundershirt but I’m a little concerned about putting that on him in the summer months. I know it’s a breathable material but I don’t like putting anything on the boys that could make them hotter.

What about the Storm Defender?  The cape has a special metallic lining that discharges a dog’s fur and shields him from the static charge buildup reducing his sensitivity to the charge.

I would prefer NOT to give Sherman a strong medication. I’m looking for a more natural approach so are there any calming supplements that you find work well?

I appreciate everyone’s feedback. I’d like to have game plan in place for Spring so let me have it, what are some ways that you combat your dog’s fear of thunderstorms?

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Monika & Sam

Monday 20th of March 2017

I've used naturopathic "Dog Zen - Licks" brand of naturopathic remedy with some success, but like most naturopathic remedies (as well as the Thundershirt), isn't effective once your dog is red-lining. Because Elsa has seizures, she receives 2-4 drops of CBD oil (no THC, just hemp) which works as an anti-seizure remedy as well as dealing with anxious behavior very effector on Sam who has started developing some fear of thunderstorms (but mostly of traveling in the car). I can give him a dose of a few drops on a treat and he will be panic free. It's been a godsend for us as well as a friend who has a terrified of thunderstorms boxer. It's like a miracle. Good luck, hope you can find something to help out your big guy.

CATHY BENNETT

Monday 13th of March 2017

Kimberly Gauthier of Keep the Tail Wagging has had much success with essential oils and some natural food treats. Check out her website.

Emma

Monday 27th of February 2017

Katie developed a thunderstorm fear when she was about 8. She usually would hide in the upstairs bathroom with no window and was fine there, but then she started losing her hearing and it was no longer an issue.

Jen

Tuesday 28th of February 2017

I think I remember reading about her fear of storms. Sherman seems to seek out the bathroom too.

Oilslick

Monday 27th of February 2017

Most anxiety in dogs is owner created or should I say owner intensified. When a dog is scared of loud noises such as fireworks or thunder, the absolute best thing to do is let them find a safe space and LET THEM BE. Don't coddle them. Don't reassure them. Don't talk to them until they are completely calm and over it. Coddling is for human behavior, it's not for dogs though. They think and react differently. I'm concerned about your comment..."I also did my best to offer him reassurance. I didn’t leave him alone." When we try to reassure dogs when they are scared, we inadvertently reassure their unwanted issue. Our last Newfie that we rescued at 5 years old came to us scared of thunder. Once she found her "safe space" in the house we left her alone when a storm came. We ignored her and talked to each other (not to the dog) in a normal, calm manner when we were around her. Soon she realized that the noise wouldn't hurt her and she became more relaxed in that situation. She was never totally cured but she never again displayed the shaking that she once had when we first got her. Sadly she passed away 3 years ago. Our latest Newfie is now 2 years old and we let her alone in storms. She has zero symtoms of noise fright. Just like she should. Best of luck to you.

Jen

Tuesday 28th of February 2017

Thanks for the information and advice! It's greatly appreciated. I'm sure I do over coddle him, as he gets older he is showing more anxiety in certain situations and while I do my best to more encourage him, in this case, I console him. I'm tying to think how things went the other night and if he showed more anxiety or less with me doing that.

I'll have to pay more attention tonight and adjust.

Leroy has no fear of storms or other loud noises. He has always had more confidence than Sherman. Maybe it's Newf syndrome? Kind of like how you are with your first child and then more relaxed with your second?

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your Newfie <3

Lori

Monday 27th of February 2017

My cousin used thundershirt w her wiemeriener sol?and had success. Wonder if they make them in Sherman size? Hope so. Sorry to hear he's scared he's such a sweetheart. Love your blog btw! You have such a great sense of humaor and great info! Will be helpful when I finally get a Newfie of my own. Where did you get Sherman and Leroy from? Have a breeder in mind, but not sure she will be able to breed her dogs sooner than later. Thx!

Jen

Tuesday 28th of February 2017

Thank you for the kind words Lori! They do make the Thundershirts in a big enough size for Sherman. I actually tried one on him last year!

Both Sherman and Leroy are from Bydand Newfoundland in North Dakota. You can check the breeders list on the Newfoundland Club Of America to see a list if recommended breeders that might be in your area! Let me know if you have any questions.

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