Fear of Thunder - Page 1

So guys, you may remember me talking about Sierra having issues with the fireworks this year.  She was a little afraid of thunder the past years, but ever since the 4th, she has been terrified.  I mean if she even hears light thunder, or senses a thunder storm coming (she is a great indicator if it's going to storm soon) she will shake severely.  If she senses a storm she's not shaking much, but she's nervous and very anxious.   Now if she hears thunder, in the distance, close, loud, or whatever,  she shakes violently, panting and shaking a thousand miles a minute, tongue sticking out.....basically she looks and sounds like she ran 10 miles in 100 degree heat (Panting, shaking, drooling).  My other dogs don't pay any attention to thunder, fireworks, or any loud noises.  They'll go outside and chill out, play, lay down, etc like nothing is going on. Nothing bothers the boys.  It's just, Sierra....  For the past two hours here it had been storming and she just stayed inside and shook violently (stormed as in just thunder in the distance, not really raining or lightning that we could see).  Food distraction only works when she senses a storm, if there is thunder then she won't take food.  My dogs help her somewhat just by them not being afraid of it, and the fact that she can lay down inbetween them.  All of the dogs stay in the house, so it's not like I'm just leaving her out in the storms, but anyone have any suggestions? I honestly wander if it could (I know this might sound silly) give her a heart attack when she's a little bit older.  That much anxiety causing the violent shaking (her whole body and head shakes), tongue out panting a thousand miles a minute, drooling, etc.  Does anyone know if that type of severe anxiety could cause anything like that if it goes on for that amount of time?  Take away storms and fireworks and she's the perfect dog.   Knows many commands, will walk on leash with my three year old niece perfectly, she's gentle with everyone, and very stable in every other way.... other than this.  Like I talked about before, if she senses storms I can still use treats and just walk her around on leash and give her commands, reward her with treats, etc.  She'll work then, and ignore it.    I didn't get her as a young puppy like Max (8 weeks), or like with Buck and Little Dude I've had them since day 1.  I got them use to being around loud noises in public environments, and even the home environment.   I forgot to mention, Sierra is a very medium level energy dog.  She goes for walks with the pack each day, and she does a lot of playing with them as well.   I've found whether she's exhausted, or hasn't walked,  the storms affect her the exact same way.

I go through this with my 11 year old lab.

She's a retired field retriever and has no problems with guns but thunderstorms have come to be a source of great anxiety and distress.

What I've found works for her is a combination of Rescue Remedy if I'm on hand to give it and most importantly an aircraft crate.  Not a wire but a plastic aircraft crate that she can get in and treat like a den.

If she's in her crate she's fine for a storm, if she's out she will piss the floor and tear through doors trying to get to a bedroom to hide.  The crate she still curls into a ball but she then goes to sleep. No banging on the crate or anything like that.

I have one who could care less about any loud noises whether its a gun shot, fireworks etc. On the other hand I have another that will tear down the door trying to get to the thunder like she is going nuts dont know why this happens.

GSDguy, You describe my Titus to the tee. Exactly the same behavior. Seems he's going to have a heart attack. I crate him and cover it. Still seems nervous, but at least he can't tear the house up. I started taking him outside in the storms, under a canopy. Believe or not, he's not as bad. Waiting for some more storms to bring him out in. He is getting better. Good Luck   Pete

isachev, I try the crate as well, but she still just shakes the exact same way.   For her, she just will lay inbetween the other dogs and try to get all up and close to them.  She really, really likes Max so she tries to lay against him when shes scared.  If we had a canopy I'd give it a try, anything to help her would be great.

RLHAR, What is Rescue Remedy?

I think rescue remedy is a natural calming agent. Can go to Foster & Smith website. They have all kinds of calming stuff. Even calming suits. LOL See if this link helps.   Pete
http://pet-supplies.drsfostersmith.com/search?p=Q&lbc=drsfostersmith&uid=647449887&w=thunder%20storm&af=cat1:dogs%20type:article&isort=score&method=and&ts=results&ed=dogs

GSD

Rescue Remedy

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=1233 

I was a little skeptical myself but I got the topical application oil for my lab.  Four / five drops applied directly to her gums and she settles right now and relaxes.

As I said, I used it in combination with her crate and she's relaxed 75% from where she was earlier this year.

Here's a link to "Ultra Calm". You can alway's use Xanax. Works for me. LOL
http://pet-supplies.drsfostersmith.com/search?p=Q&lbc=drsfostersmith&uid=647449887&ts=custom&w=ultra%20calm&af=type:product

Google..... "thundershirt" or "anxiety wrap" and you should find some things that would help. I've never used one but have heard from others of success with this product. It makes sense to me

You can also try peppermint oil.. got it at GNC and just take a dab and put it on the large pad one of the front feet

I did try this with an old timer we had who became increasingly agitated during storms..... he actually laid down almost immediately after I put the oil on and exhaled one of those big heavy relaxing sighs.. pretty amazing actually...


I have had dogs who as they age would be very affected by storms often hours before they even happened.. I think its the change in barometric pressure that they feel ....as I can attest, it is tough to get old!

Hope this helps