STORM-SCARED DOG, any advice?

[Betsy]

Our dog is scared of thunderstorms, loud noises etc. He becomes our shadow during those times and we act like nothing is out of the ordinary. I think it has helped.

I've heard that Bach Flower Remedies can help scared dogs...but have never tried them myself.

 

[glowworm]

You can try a mild sedative from your vet. Because she's older, you'll want to do bloodwork to make sure she's okay to take it. But, at her age you should have bloodwork done anyways.

I know people who have used "Rescue Remedy" for their dogs and horses for mild cases of anxiety. It's not as strong as something you get from the vet, but some people prefer that.

 

[maplesky7]

I have heard that animals can sense the atmospheric pressure change before the storms hit.

we had a cat that used to howl and stand on her hind legs and spin her head round as she howled.

and then hide partially under the cupboards...where the kickboards are.

but we never knew a storm was coming until she did that.

my shepard mix and my mom's shiatzu mix are big time scared of fireworks and storms...they pant heavy and are at my feet until it passes. That's always nice when it's in the middle of the night and I'm trying to sleep. Like havin kids doesn't sleep deprive me as it is.

The big dog pants low and heavy and drawn out...

huuuuuh huuuuh huuuh huuuuh

The little dog (when I'm dog sitting and I dog sit a lot) pants high, and fast...

ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

It's like a chorus.

The vet did prescribe some pills and suggests that I give them to the dogs up to 30-45 min. BEFORE a stressful event because it will work at it's max.

If the dog is already stressed and the pill is given...then it's essentially too late and won't calm them down and you just have to ride it out.

me,
g

 

[warcard]

Please be careful with boxers and acepro. A friend in boxer rescue told me that they can have a very bad reaction to the sedative. You might try and google it. Other breeds can have the reaction, but boxers are very prone to it.

I think most things have been covered, just chiming in with my own scaredey-pup. We just try and ignore her, turn up the TV or radio and provide places to hide. I haven't had much luck with the other things, but then she is only 16lbs and can't destroy the house so I haven't been very consistent.

 

[horsejody]

I read an article that said that melatonin can be helpful. It can be purchased almost anywhere. It is not a drug. I think you can give it to a dog just before the storm hits.

Here is a link.

http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/melatonin.htm