Fear of Storms and Noises

Well it's that time of year again when storms pick up. Some pets are afraid of noises, especially storms. We really don'tknow what causes this fear. It could be associated with lightening, electricity in storms, or low pressure changes. Some breeds may be more prone to developing fears. I know I have owned 2 older dobermans that have had fear of storms. When I brought the first one home she was very destructive. I adopted her as an older dog. I knew what I was getting into when I got her. She was the retired blood donor from the veterinary hospital I worked at. They wanted to put her down. I wanted to take her home knowing the risk. She did improve somewhat when I took her home. Maybe she was worse when she was around the other dogs boarding with us. No one really knows since they can't tell us. She passed away a year later.The one that I have now is not nearly as bad but you can tell she is afraid. She will go and hide or wants comfort. I want to comfort her but I don't want to encourage her fears by rewarding her with a pat on the head. I know that my attitude can influence her fear. Comforting her is positive reinforcement of her fears. I have found natural treatments to help with her fears. Chamomile herb is wonderful way to treat her fears. They can drink it, but most pets may not drink it when there is a storm around. They do have it in a pet chewable and drops for dogs. If they won't eat it, you can try chamomile in a tea and put it on a cotton ball near their face so they can smell it. It's scent alone may help.

Some of the signs of fear are:

• Hiding
• Urinating
• Defecating
• Panting
• Pacing
• Seeking comfort
• Trembling/shaking
• Barking or whining

You may be able to help your pet. Don't comfort or punish your pet. Comforting or telling your pet it's ok is going to be interpreted by your pet as a reward for the fearful behavior telling your pet that they should be afraid of the storm. Punishing your pet will increase your pets fear of the storm. Some pets do well having a small area to feel comfortable. A crate is a nice place for your pet. You can leave the door open so they can come and go as needed. Especially if they are not use to the crate. Staying calm helps to reduce their anxiety. They will think if you are afraid they should be afraid. Sometimes they do look to others on how they should react. Some times if it is severe you could try conditioning your pet to the sounds of thunder by recreating the sounds during a less stressful time. One of the things I have tried. I use a herbal scent that is calming like chamomile and use it during calm times. Like in the evening when I'm home and everyone is relaxing. This will help to get them use to the scent and associate the scent with a calm memory. Then I will introduce a cd with the sounds of thunder on it. I introduce the scent again and play the cd on low where they barely hear it and everyone is calm. I do this for a week and then increase slightly the sound. When you get to the point that the pet is reacting I just reduce the sound and continue a little longer before I increase the sound. I just do this for short periods of time. 15-20 minutes is fine. When conditioning the pet to the scent of chamomile accupressure for anxiety can be beneficial. There is a point between the eyes that is a little "V" groove. Stimulating that point can help. Most dogs really like that area rubbed. Then every time they smell the chamomile it will bring back the calm memories that come with it. Doing accupressure when a pet is afraid is not effective because they can be so afraid and do not respond. Sometimes I hear a song from when I was in high school and it will always bring back memories of a good time. Sometimes it's just the feelings that I remember. So the same thing can happen with them. But the chamomile is calming so it is best to associate the scent.