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Dogs and Thunderstorms
Many dogs will chase away a burglar, but completely panic at the sound of thunder. Dogs commonly suffer from thunderstorm phobias, which can cause a major problem during the summer months. If your dog is terrified of storms, you can help her overcome the phobia.
No one is exactly sure what causes dogs to fear thunderstorms, but it is a common problem. Some dogs react by retreating under the bed with the first boom of thunder. Others bark, howl, drool, or whine. Some dogs even pace constantly until the storm subsides. Dogs with sever thunderstorm phobias can actually have anxiety attacks and lose total control. These dogs tend to become destructive in their panic and can hurt themselves or others.
Veterinary researchers have studied dogs with thunderstorm phobias for years. They have never uncovered an absolute cause for the phobia, but they have come up with a few ideas. Some dogs are probably afraid of loud noises, so the thunder terrifies them. Other dogs seem to have an extreme sensitivity to changes in barometric pressure. These dogs often begin pacing and acting upset an hour before a storm begins. They can often sense the electrical change in the air and begin to feel anxiety. Dogs with sensitive ears can even hear thunder before we can.
Research has shown that some breeds may be more likely to experience anxiety during thunderstorms. German shepherds, hounds, collies, and beagles all seem to have tendencies toward storm phobias. It seems that these breeds of herding dogs naturally react to large noises with aggression. When they suppress aggressive behavior, they experience extreme anxiety, which leads to behavior problems.
If your dog has extreme reactions to thunderstorms, you should talk to your vet about the problem. The vet will probably suggest some behavior modification exercises to help your pet adjust to loud noises. You should never punish your dog for reacting negatively to storms. Instead, try to sooth your pet with a gentle voice and soft touch. If your dog responds by calming down, lavish on the praise and give a special treat. Positive reinforcement is very effective in changing a dog’s behavior.
Some dogs can’t seem to get a handle on their anxiety during thunderstorms. If your dog gets extremely out of control, you may need to isolate him until he calms down. Talk to your vet about the extreme behaviors. Some dogs can benefit from anti-anxiety medications or antidepressants. The vet will know what to look for in diagnosing the need for these medical supplements.
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