Dealing with Thunder & Fear-Induced Pet Anxiety: Tips &
Fear of thunder and other noises is not uncommon in pets. In the animal kingdom, fear is a normal response to threats or unpleasant stimuli, serving to protect animals from harm. Phobia, on the other hand, is a persistent, excessive, and irrational fear response. It can develop at any age and in any breed.
Typically, fear can arise after a terrifying event or gradually over time. If the stimuli are frequent, the fear can become more intense. Dogs that are afraid of noises often cannot stand the sounds that trigger their fear. In fact, every time they hear a similar sound, their fear tends to escalate. For instance, a dog with thunderstorm phobia might eventually develop fears of fireworks, car backfires, or sonic booms.
A scared dog may seek human companionship, and their fear symptoms can include shivering, panting, trembling, drooling, trying to escape, hiding, or barking. In severe cases, a dog might even hurt itself while trying to flee.
Section 1: Diagnosing Dog Anxiety
A comprehensive physical examination by a veterinarian is an essential first step, not only to rule out potential issues that could exacerbate your dog's fear but also to confirm their overall health. Consulting a behaviorist is also an option.
In many cases, the diagnosis of noise or thunderstorm phobia is quite apparent. However, if you're not present when the noise occurs, you might return to find signs of furniture being destroyed or multiple urine stains in the room. In such situations, you can use a camera to determine what triggered your dog's behavior problem.
Section 2: Treating Dog Anxiety
The treatment is straightforward: bring your dog indoors, turn on the radio/TV/fan/air conditioner (white noise), or provide a comfortable hiding spot.
If your dog's symptoms are severe, a counterconditioning and desensitization program may be helpful. This involves recording the noise and playing it at a low volume while your dog is relaxed. Gradually increase the volume, being careful not to scare your dog. With time, your dog will become less afraid of these noises. I recommend consulting a veterinarian or behaviorist to help design an appropriate desensitization program.
However, desensitizing to thunder is challenging, as real thunderstorms come with other stimuli, such as changes in air pressure, dark skies, and even certain smells. So, even after using recorded sounds for desensitization, the actual situation can still trigger fear responses in your dog.
Additionally, a veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist may recommend using antianxiety medications.
If your dog's fear is mild and the noises are infrequent, the simple techniques mentioned above can suffice to treat the fear. However, avoid comforting your dog with cuddles, soothing words, or extra attention after a terrifying event, as this can sometimes reinforce their fear response and worsen the problem. Be mindful that dogs are sensitive to their owners' emotions and may be influenced by how you react to the noise. As a result, it's best for you, as the owner, to remain cheerful and optimistic, or to redirect your dog's attention to engaging activities.
Try to keep your dog away from noise if possible. Speak to your pet in a calm, cheerful tone and reassure them that storms are nothing to worry about. Encourage your dog to find a quiet spot to wait out the storm.
