Need help with Storm-Scared Dogs?

[dixiechick]

I hate long posts, BUT thought this was well worth sharing --and it won't cost YOU a vet bill...

I just got home from the vet. Took our 10 year old Golden Retriever for help for anxiety during storms and other loud noises (ie. fireworks, guns, etc). Seems like as she ages, her anxiety gets worse....she pants, paces, shakes, tries to crawl into tight spaces (even underneath US). I tried the over the counter drops...and those did not work....but we MAY have found the ticket!!!

The vet suggested some thiings I haven't heard/thought of. Before we try the really invasive medications that could compromise her liver, she suggested a feremone collar, along with 3 adult benadryls per day + 1 Bufferin aspirin. The feremone collar gives her a scent that associates her with her mother...the vet said give it anywhere from 1-24 hours to take affect. The Benadryl acts as a sedative without the liver complications. The Bufferin is for her hip dysplasia and arthritis...which could be hurting her more during storms and adding to her anxiety.

So, we've had the collar on for a little over an hour, and I have a very chilled out old girl napping on the floor. Usually, a trip to the vet takes some time to "over," but, heck, she was chilling in the car on the way home, laying down, taking in the views of the road....things I haven't seen in years!!!! (and I haven't given her Benedryl or Bufferin yet)....AND it's rolling thunder out as I type!!!

She also suggested a special "cape" that can be ordered online (I haven't done that yet). It is supposed to neutralize any electromagnetic energy in the air that may be present during a storm. Some animal behaviorists think that some animals are hypersensitive to the electricity and the cape repels that from them. Even the vet said she knew it sounded a bit "hinky" but said she had some pet owners who swear by it....

I tell ya, after losing many nights of sleep due to a nervous dog, I am willing to try anything once. Funny how priceless sleep is!

Anyhow, thought I would share our ah'has with everyone who may have a stormed scared dog in their home. There is hope!

 

[hencackle]

I've seen that "cape" in a catalog before...I don't know of anyone that's used it. I was trying to remember where I saw it because it's not in my new "In The Company of Dogs" catalog and that's where I thought I had seen it.

My old dog is 13.5 yrs old; he used to be terrified of gunshots, thunder, fireworks. Since he doesn't hear as well now, he's tends to ignore these noises. What a relief!

 

[pdsavage]

i had the same proublem was worse when my ex sis inlaw lived next door.she felt sorry for her and would let her in..
I just ignored it and made her get over it...
it seamed the more i would try and comfort her the worse she got so it was like i was rewarding her negative behavior..
Now she is fine....

 

[Boyd]

I'll have to try that. My boxer/pitt mix is all ferocious looking but come a thunderstorm he crawls under the blankets and insists on me holding him

So much for MR. Guard dog

 

[ohiofarmgirl]

our littlest shepherd is our big sissy. we got tired of coddling him and now we march him back to his own bed and make him sit there. i think the presence of the alpha dog (my hubby) taking control of his behavior helps.

of course this is while i hold all the nervous cats' paws!

 

[starting.from.scratch]

Thank you for the tips! I'd heard about the pheremone collars, I'd also seen the plug ins for where they hang out, glad to know it works!

My mom adopted 2 shelties that were sadly mistreated, kept with bigger dogs that would pee on them, outside, in storms, or whatever. Of course as my parents' babies, they are now inside dogs and had a huge fear of storms. No wonder.
We got some Nature Sounds cds, of storms and rain, and would play them instead of watching tv in the evenings. We'd just read and hang out, so the dogs would associate the sounds with quiet evenings. Now they hear thunder and get ready to pass out. But I agree, making a big deal over the negative behavior usually intensifies it. Any attention is thought of as good attention.

 

[CoyoteMagic]

I know there is a vest or shirt or something that they use for anxiety. I'm asking on my service dog group to find out the name. It has to do with pressure, Tellington (sp) Touch method, etc...

 

[gaited horse]

Quote:
thats funny big dogs are chickens

 

[ranchhand]

After we had a double lightning strike here 2 years ago, the dogs get nervous and so do I. Now, they all get Benadryl when a storm approaches, and I get beer!

I find that if I get the dogs into the bathroom, which has no windows, and turn on the exhaust fan they feel better. Can't hear the thunder as well, and can't see the lightning.

The Benadryl basically knocks them out, and I don't like the idea, but it's better than the stressed dog syndrome.

 

[Boyd]

Quote:
thats funny big dogs are chickens

Mine certainly is. The bug zapper scares him.