There are a few theory on this . And trust me — you’re not the only domestic dog parent whose dog has this fear . scientific discipline saysthat a walloping 93 % of dogs with some type of noise phobia are afraid of hell dust , or something similarly loud like firework .
In fact,2016 research in theJournal of Veterinary Behaviorsaid noise phobic disorder or haphazardness sensitivities are one of the top 3 vernacular anxiety in hot dog ( inadequate pups ! ) . So , you’re able to bet there are MANY dog parents looking for way for their dog to cope with those big , bad and LOUD thunderstorms .
HOW TO SPOT IT: What does noise or thunder phobia look like in dogs?
Thunderstorm phobia is jolly unspeakable to learn in our canine companions . behaviour often kick off mighty before or during storms and include thing like :
look your dog in this nation is n’t fun for anyone and , often , pet parents are at a departure as to what to do . It ’s not like you could just turn the thunderstorm off . ( crucial — if a band of these things happen when it ’s not thundering , a warm trip to the veteran is a estimable idea to rule out other yield . )
THINGS TO CONSIDER: Am I making my dog’s fear worse?
There are various theories out there about why dog-iron are afraid of big H .
Lauren Brickman , DVM , explainswhy dogs fear the thunder on Petfinder . “ Many dogs are afraid of hell dust simply because they do not understand what it is . Dogs hear this loud randomness and perceive it as something threatening . ” All the dog knows is that there is a LOUD , prosperous interference … and it ’s not something they get a line often . vocalize pretty scary , just thinking about it that way .
Another possibility that still needs more examination is that dogs become statically blame when there ’s a thunderstorm . Interesting , right ?
get by Nicholas Dodman , BVMS , DACVA , DACVB , a veterinarian at Tufts University , write in contingent about his theory in his clause “ Thunderstorm Phobia in Dogs ” inPsychology Today . He say his theory come about after hearing stories of detent pass away to the bathing tub or sink or other position they could ground themselves when a electrical storm materialize . He ’s also had pet parents say him they get an electrical electric shock when they touch their hound during a electrical storm .
Whether the awe is settle in electric shock or from not understanding , it ’s still difficult to see your doggy so afraid during a thunderstorm . But be careful about how you seek to solace your pooch , warn Dr. Brickman . Using a baby voice “ can really encourage [ your hot dog ’s ] fear if he senses any insecurity in your representative . ”
Instead , consider providing background racket , like wireless or TV , to adjudicate to somewhat drown out the tempest . you could also try work with your pup , or practicing their preferent trick for treats to get their mind off their anxiety .
FIRST STEPS TO TAKE: How can I help my dog be less afraid next time?
There ’s a couple thing you’re able to do to start helping your pup cope with thunderstorms without jumping in veneration :
Take it tedious . The article “ get by with Thunderstorm Phobia , ” encourage pet parents to expose your wienerwurst slowly to stimuli similar to a thunderstorm ( YouTube ! ) to help teach them to not be afraid . “ Going too fast might make the dog even more frightened so demand things slowly will ensure maximum welfare from the process . ” It ’s important to work slowly and patiently with your dearie as to not further intensify their fear . Consider ways to put very low sound recording of a tempest on during your every day . Start with it not hearable to you and judge how your dog behave . Do n’t move on to anything louder until they seem relaxed and comfortable .
After you desensitise , it ’s time to make it fun . Once your dog is desensitise to a induction , it ’s important to wage in the next process of counterconditioning , cover Sarah Heath , BVSc , DECVBM - CA , MRCVS , in “ deal with Sound Phobias . ” She says , “ The aim of counterconditioning is to repeatedly submit the same stimuli , in this caseful a sound , but in association with an activity that the dog is known to relish such as eating or play . ”
retrieve , phone is powerful . Victoria Stilwell also says in “ Noise Phobias ” that “ the change in how dogs listen to sound reduces their fear considerably and in some caseful whole cures them of their phobia and sound sensibility . ”
Prevent , when you may . Heath also believes having a plan for electrical storm or other concern - rush events can go a long way : “ Successful environmental management ask induce preparation for known phobic events by providing a reliable escape place , which must be constantly available to the wienerwurst . ” By failing to prepare , you are preparing to fail . Right ? !
Keep in mind , desensitization may not run . One last tidbit from “ contend with Thunderstorm Phobia ” to keep in mind is that “ some dogs will react well to all of the above therapies , but will become panic when a real violent storm rolls in . It is therefore important to undertake this phobia in other room by using in force direction scheme and by masking any audio and visual stimuli that elicits a fear response during a storm . ”
HOW TO GET HELP: Questions toask your behavior professional
As well as reaching out to your veterinarian , you may also want to reach out to a local positive - reenforcement - based flight simulator if the behavior is utmost .
thing you might ask are :
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
OvercomingThunderstorm Phobiafrom Positively.com
Use of clomipramine , alprazolam , and behavior change for handling of violent storm phobia in dogsfrom theJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
