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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nCauses of Thunderstorm Phobia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There are many possible causes for thunderstorm phobia. And each dog may have one or more reasons why he\u2019s thunderstorm phobic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You may not know all of the reasons that your dog is distressed. But knowing the possible reasons discussed below should give some insight into why he has the issue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And that knowledge will help you know how to manage the issue to improve his quality of life\u2013and yours. Possible causes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Noise phobias<\/strong>. Dogs who have other noise phobias are more susceptible to thunderstorm phobia than those without.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Genetics.<\/strong> A dog\u2019s relatives may also have had thunderstorm phobia. Certain breeds, such as herding breeds, are more predisposed to reactivity to noises.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Lack of exposure to storms early in development. <\/strong>This can also occur if early exposure was too much for the pup.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Changes in barometric pressure and humidity<\/strong>. These can affect a dog\u2019s senses and even cause discomfort in his ears.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Traumatic experiences.<\/strong> A dog who has experienced a traumatic incident during a thunderstorm may be more susceptible to thunderstorm phobia than one who didn\u2019t. The negative experience may be something related to the storm such as a tree falling, power going out, or flooding. Or the negative experience may be unrelated to the storm but may have occurred during it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Arthritis and orthopedic problems.<\/strong> These dogs can be more sensitive to fluctuations in the weather.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Unintentional reinforcement. <\/strong>Pet parents may have unintentionally reinforced a dog\u2019s fears by acting anxious themselves.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Flooding. <\/strong>This means deliberating exposing an anxious dog to a frightening stimulus at a maximum intensity until the dog stops appearing to be anxious. This can cause a fight, flight, or freeze response.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Decreased tolerance to certain things as a dog ages.<\/strong> The experiences of noises, lightning flashes, and weather-related changes may become intolerable as a dog ages. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Fear of new experiences.<\/strong> Thunderstorms have rain, excessive noise, and flashes of light. Any or all of these can be frightening to a dog who hasn\u2019t previously been properly socialized to them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
How Is Thunderstorm Phobia Diagnosed?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In order to determine whether a dog\u2019s stress behaviors are caused by thunderstorm phobia, you must first rule out other possible causes. It really is a process of elimination. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So have a vet visit to rule out physical causes such as pain or neurological issues. You also need to rule out other behavioral causes such as separation anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Are the Signs of Thunderstorm Phobia? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Dogs often react to thunderstorms long before we\u2019re aware of them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They may start to exhibit some signs of stress that we need to be conscious of. So watch for any unexplained changes in behavior. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A dog may become clingy or exhibit signs of anxiety. Our dogs can actually become our weather forecasters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A dog who experiences thunderstorm phobia may become extremely anxious, appearing to have a full-blown panic attack. Signs of anxiety include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Pacing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Whining or other excessive vocalization<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Clinginess<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Hiding<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Being frozen in place with fear (shutting down)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Attempting to escape<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Inappropriate urination or defecation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Panting<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Drooling<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Self-inflicted trauma such as that caused by excessive chewing or licking himself or injuries by trying to escape<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Dogs with thunderstorm phobia demonstrate many physiological changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These include: cardiovascular changes (increased heart rate); metabolic\/ neurological changes (increased cortisol levels, which is the stress hormone); stress-induced hyperglycemia (which is high blood sugar); gastrointestinal changes (inappetence or gastrointestinal problems); musculoskeletal problems (caused by trauma attempting to escape); respiratory issues (rapid breathing); or skin acral dermatitis (caused by stress licking).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How To Prevent and Treat Thunderstorm Phobia<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There are measures that you can take to help manage your dog\u2019s thunderstorm phobia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Depending on the dog, management and treatment methods may lessen your dog\u2019s anxiety to the point that his thunderstorm phobia isn\u2019t apparent and doesn\u2019t noticeably affect him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a 2003 study<\/a>, 30 out of 32 dogs showed a significant improvement in symptoms when the appropriate therapies were given.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Preventive Measures<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Be aware of the weather forecast in your area. By doing so, you can take some of the below management techniques to help prevent your dog from responding excessively to the coming storm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t leave your dog outside if a storm is predicted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Your dog can read if you\u2019re anxious by your body language. So remain calm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Go about your normal routine. Dogs are creatures of habit and thrive on a normal schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Management Measures<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Dogs often feel safe during thunderstorms when they have access to certain areas. A room with no windows can help some dogs cope. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
My shih tzu<\/a> Cuddles had thunderstorm phobia. She instinctively went into a hall bathroom which was windowless when a thunderstorm approached and until it ended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By doing so, she minimized her stress. To also help her, I placed a comfortable bed<\/a> and some of her toys with her scent there.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some dogs like to hide in a closet or under a bed for similar reasons. Others feel safe in a crate<\/a>. And some like to be in a crate that\u2019s covered with something such as a crate cover<\/a> or blanket.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So give your dog access to such a safe area. Place a familiar bed and toys <\/a>there to help comfort your pup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Close windows, shades, and blinds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use Holistic Aids<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
There are many holistic aids to choose from that may help your dog. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can play soft music or white noise<\/a> to help mask the noise of the storm. There\u2019s even a CD called Through a Dog\u2019s Ear<\/em><\/a> <\/em>with music that helps calm some dogs.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some non-prescription calming tablets<\/a> can help lessen the anxiety in some dogs. Rescue Remedy<\/a> can also help relax some dogs.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s a product called Adaptil that mimics the pheromones of a puppy\u2019s mother. This can help lessen some dogs\u2019 stress during a thunderstorm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It comes in a spray<\/a>, which you can put on your dog\u2019s bed (not on the dog). It also comes in a plug-in<\/a> which releases the scent into the air.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And the product also can be purchased in the form of a collar<\/a> that the dog can wear.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I note that we can\u2019t smell the Adaptil scent, so there isn\u2019t a flowery odor released into your rooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A product called the Calming Cap<\/a> can help some canines cope with the visual stimulation of the lightning that accompanies a storm.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ThunderShirt<\/a>, which can be used in other stress-producing experiences, can help lessen a dog\u2019s anxiety if used correctly.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It fits snugly (not tight) and provides a \u201chug\u201d (applying acupressure), which releases endorphins (these are hormones that are released to relieve stress and improve mood). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you decide to try the ThunderShirt, you need to put it on for a short time when there is no storm, such as a half-hour, and play with the dog. Give him treats. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You want the dog to have a positive association<\/em> with wearing it. Do this daily for a few weeks to help your dog love wearing it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You shouldn\u2019t just initially put it on him during a thunderstorm or he will have a negative association with wearing it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I have recommended the ThunderShirt to many of my clients whose dogs had thunderstorm and other phobias. I\u2019ve seen a spectrum of results. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One client\u2019s dog miraculously seemed relaxed (and even playful) in a situation that was formerly stressful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019ve seen some times where no noticeable change occurred. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But in most cases, there\u2019s been some measure of improvement in a dog\u2019s response to stress in my experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A similar product called the Anxiety Wrap<\/a> was reportedly 89 percent effective to at least partially treat their dogs\u2019 thunderstorm phobia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are also other similar options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A product called the Storm Defender Cape<\/a>, which the dog wears, has anti-static properties and owners reported some improvement after the fourth use of it.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Actions You Should Take<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Praise and reward<\/a> when your dog is calm. Distract him with fun experiences. Play with him with his favorite toys<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Have him perform some obedience cues<\/a> and tricks<\/a>. Give him puzzle toys<\/a> and enrichment activities<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But note that a severely stressed dog may not want to play or take treats. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Comfort him if he comes to you. Contrary to popular belief, this is not praising him for his fearful behavior. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Genetics.<\/strong> A dog\u2019s relatives may also have had thunderstorm phobia. Certain breeds, such as herding breeds, are more predisposed to reactivity to noises.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
![\"Thunderstorm](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/thunderstorm-phobia-in-dogs-770x1155.jpg\")
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