bizarre behavior during storms or winds - Page 1

My otherwise fearless male reacts in a rather bizarre manner when there is the slightest storm or if the wind gets up outside. It seems to happen at night and he paces, jumps up in the middle of bed and just stands right on top of you or he either tries to lay down at the headboard- like on top of your head. Like I said-bizarre. He goes to the door to go out-several times- and I let him out. He refuses to come back in and he'll platz-will not move. I have to go leash him and bring him in. What should I do? This is becoming much more frequent and I can't think of anything that triggered this. It started when he was 3. Thanks!

Many people give sedatives during storms for dogs that have problems. Your vet can give you some or you can use several products that are on the market. Melatonin can also be used like it is in humans. It is a natural brain chemical that gives the sense of wellbeing. This happens because of one or all of several reasons: The barometric pressure changes and dogs are more sensitive to that. Sound sensitivity Sensitivity to things that are different than the norm. There are probably more that others may fill in for you. Hope it helps some. Debby castlebrookshepherds.net ebinezer052899@yahoo.com

Almost forgot... the dog can pick up on YOUR feelings too. Don't know if you are scared of storms or not? Debby castlebrookshepherds.net ebinezer052899@yahoo.com

This is not uncommon at all.. many dogs develop fears of storms and it tends to get worse as they get older.. some to the point of injuring themselves very badly. If you can crate your dog, he might feel better.. we used to find one of our dogs curled up in the stall shower or in her crate ... i believe the change in barometric pressure thing is absolutely true because this girl was not hearing well but she sure could tell when a storm was coming .. about 2 hours beforehand.. I found a little blurb on the AKC website (actually useful, how's that?)... try a dab of peppermint oil on each large front pad.. we tried it with our older male who has started to act the same way and I'll be darned if he didn't lay right down with that big heavy sigh and close his eyes!! Sedatives are kind of tough to use for those popup showers we have in the south.. they take too long to kick in or you have a dog who is gorked thru the spring and summer.. that's not a good idea.. Just ignore the solicitous behavior and don't do the poor frightened puppy thing.....and yes, you must be brave also!!!

Others have already given some plausible explanations and possible remedies. Another one is to simply turn up the radio when wind is up or a storm approaches. But I always suggest too that one makes certain a vet checks the ears for broken ear drum or infection. Wind, in people or in dogs, when ears are not healthy, can be most uncomfortable. The other important thing to do is to NOT baby the dog during these times but rather, engage him by playing with him or doing something pleasurable so the dog associates something positive with the wind/storm, or better yet, simply forgets about it. It takes lots of work and consistency to change his behavior, but it can be done, or at least minimized. Good luck.

I don't think you are describing a scared dog. . I think the barometric pressure is affecting the norepinephrine and causing some ever so slight changes in his vital signs causing him to be slightly more aware of his surroundings

Thanks y'all- I do know better than to baby him. I think that it is probably the barometric pressure affecting him. I do try to keep things pleasant, I don't freak out during storms. 3 days after surgery, he jumps up in the middle of the bed right on top of me when he is not allowed on the bed (when hubby is home anyway)-I wasn't too pleasant then. Otherwise, I feel like I'm doing all the right things. What do you think about Benadryl? It sedates my older dog with allergies when he's really itchy. Thanks to all who continue to help me with this neverending search for knowledge ;)

I am scared to DEATH of lightening and thunder storms! (being a show-line bitch and all). My house dogs ignore it till I start and jump and scream so many times they can't stand to see me go through my anziety, then jump up on the bed, lay on top or on either side of me... and go back to sleep. Mind you, theses are the same dogs that worry about ME with the gunshy tests: "Shelley. They're going to shoot the gun now. Stay with me here. Don't screw this up for us. Stead-d-d-Y. Good girl. Now hang in here with me. They're going to shoot it again... Just trust me and don't scream this time, Shel. Steadd-d-Y. Whew! BRAVEE GURL!"

Drugs should never be used without a really good reason, and this goes for benadryl as well. For one thing, your dog will adapt to it and you will require higher and higher doses. Secondly, sedation is not the right thing to do at all unless he becomes dangerous to himself. Benadryl is an antihistamine and that is what it should be used for, not for a dog who is noise reactive.

Shelley, you make me giggle. Hodie, thank you for your comment also. I'd rather not give him Benadryl, and he isn't a danger to himself nor us. More of an annoyance. Funny thing is, he isn't affected by gunshots or firecrackers- thinking the barometric pressure is the culprit here. We'll just learn to deal with it. Bothers my hubby b/c the puppy also gets fired up and interferes with his beauty sleep;) At this point I'm used to it. Thanks again!!