I’d be interested in hearing from people who have used EFT with animals and had good success. About an hour before a storm, he knows it’s coming way before we do. I had made the mistake of coddling one of my dogs and had inadvertently trained her into being frightened of any storm. Although it’s a natural human response to pet your best friend and tell him it’s going to be okay, he may perceive that you’re telling him his freaking out is something you’d like to see him do again. They might not want to go across the step if it's raining out there, but they don't freak out. If your dog has not already picked out a place, provide one. Thunderstorm Phobia in Dogs: An Internet Study of 69 Cases. Good luck! If you learn some calming techniques now, you can help your best friend, regardless of whether the reaction seems out of character. He’ll find a cozy space to hide, including trying to jump in the car. In addition to noises, sometimes dogs develop a phobia of objects or places. Things to avoid – feeding the fear with high pitched talk. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Holistic pet therapist and author Sally Morgan tells Reader’s Digest it’s not unusual for a dog in the throes of a thunderstorm freak-out to attempt to become grounded—literally and figuratively—by seeking the lowest place in the house or someplace adjacent to the house’s plumbing. My Dog Freaks Out During Thunderstorms- Is There Relief for Her? The day before rub a dryer sheet on your dog. i rub it all over my dog when a thunderstorm is coming and before, when he would hide in the bathroom, today he is fine and the thunder doesn’t bother him. Remember that even if storm anxiety crops up suddenly, treatments tend to take time to work. I sometimes suggest working with an experienced Tellington Touch practitioner along with the use of Flower Essence formulas, energy medicine and counseling. What gives? Might EFT help dogs get over this fear? “It is an irrational, intense fear of a noise or sound that poses no real threat. The best time to EFT tap is before the storm, at a neutral time. Provide Distractions. Distract your dog. Be reacting to storms or other ‘scary’ sounds. Dog owners with reactive dogs understand the phrase “freak out” better than most. Although it’s uncommon in cats, a lot of dogs have a thunderstorm phobia. I’ve read several articles where people have used EFT with their animals and had very positive results. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), how you can help calm your anxious dog (without medication), one dog owner’s experience with the ThunderShirt that helped ease her dog’s anxiety, This $25 Foot Peel Is Better Than a Pedicure, 30 Adorable Husky Pictures That Will Make You Want One, Do Not Sell My Personal Information – CA Residents. Sophylake is 100% correct. It also helps to discover from the animal if there is another association to the noise or pressure drop in the weather that’s being triggered, and resolve that. it works for my pup Read about one dog owner’s experience with the ThunderShirt that helped ease her dog’s anxiety. Noise phobias can start at any age and worsen over time if left untreated. These are just a few thoughts on using EFT for dogs and other animals with a fear of thunderstorms. At the same time, try not to give him too much positive reinforcement for his freak-out. Give your dog a safe place to go during a storm. Talk with your vet. We recommend our users to update the browser. 5 ways to calm dog storm anxiety Give your dog a safe space. In the winter, desensitize your dog to the sounds of a storm. Cute moment dog freaks out at the sight of a Star Wars AT-AT coming towards it. For a better understanding of using EFT with pets, I suggest reading Sylvia Hartmann’s article, What is Animal EFT? Managing Your Dog's Environment Block out as much of the noise and light as possible. Phobia of noises is very common in dogs and often involves fireworks and thunderstorms. Here’s how you can help calm your anxious dog (without medication). Physical symptoms include an increase in heart rhythm and panting. Get Out Your Umbrella Go outside with your dog. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. Like I said, he knows at least an hour before — in the “quiet before the storm.”. Another place your dog may prefer to be during a storm is in a dark, quiet room, with quiet calming music, says Dr. Ryan. It’s uncanny. Coddling will only make it worse. Jade’s Story: One Dog’s Extreme Fear of Storms We saw an extreme example in Jade, an older rescue Border Collie who, until recently, had spent her life confined to a tiny outhouse. The sky grows dark. Illness or Pain. Dog owners with reactive dogs understand the phrase “freak out” better than most. Your email address will not be published. Or try a natural supplement, like Adaptil. Also visit Energy Healing for All Animals. Now, learn about the signs that you dog wants some alone time. From this perspective, your dog’s reaction will be to jump on you and bark in alarm or … If he could use a computer or TV controller, no doubt he’d be checking the weather reports every day. A fellow named Tom Critzer had a dog, Cody, who was so frightened during storms that Tom invented a product called the Storm Defender cape to help Cody. A dog already nervous during storms may get another shock when touching its nose to a metal object. But why? My dog used to always freak out in storms… In addition to keeping our own anxiety in check, it could be helpful to gently lead Rover to the bathroom and into the bathtub, suggests Patra de Silva, President of NHV Natural Pet Products, makers of herbal and plant-based supplements that are veterinarian approved. Behavioural research suggests that dogs are the only domesticated animals that interact with their humans in a similar manner to the way that human infants interact with their parents . . Lol, I didn’t even KNOW other dogs freaked out during thunderstorms. (Also see Dogs and Thunderstorm Phobia, plus Help Your Pet Conquer Fear.) Sarah Nold, DVM, on the staff of Trupanion, a pet insurance company, suggests closing the window blinds or curtains and leaving a light on to minimize flashes of light from the storm. Essential oils may be of some help as well; same with herbal dog collars. Well, we found out—and the reasons might surprise you. a very effective and inexpensive solution. My dog, Jake, is terrified of thunderstorms. “Pheromone products can be great options for some dogs,” Dr. Ryan says. Dr. Ryan also recommends trying body compression options such as the ThunderShirt. (it also helps her to smell good). Be bored or frustrated. If your pup is normally a great sleeper and suddenly starts freaking out at night, it … If you are seeing a lot of destruction, your dog could…. Thanks for your article! Learn which five activities your dog should never see. Lauren is also an author of crime fiction; her first full-length manuscript, The Trust Game, was short-listed for the 2017 CLUE Award for emerging talent in the genre of suspense fiction. Play a CD of thunder recordings at low … “Flooding” their emotional body with too much empathy – matching their fear – and “poor baby” may trigger secondary gain – getting attention by being scared. What about doing surrogate tapping before and after weather storms? She’s by my side right now, as there’s a severe thunderstorm around this area (I live in NH), she’s panting really heavily, and she’s REALLY scared, she’s not whining yet, but she probably will later. Since storm phobia is considered a progressive behavioral disease, signs like this should not be ignored. In cases like my dog, it’s not just thunderstorms that cause him to retreat, it’s sharp, loud or piercing noises. Here are the other factors that may be causing your pooch to freak out: Static electricity. Providing a safe spot for your dog to go during a storm helps with some of the signs of anxiety but does not get to the root cause of the problem. If your dog is afraid of thunder, play calming music to drown out the thunder claps. Sodden heat gathers itself into sudden barrages of pounding thunder, crackling lightning and pane-rattling rain. Drives dogs crazy, all that noise. Watch Queue Queue Just because he doesn't absolutely freak doesn't mean he's not suffering. I had this conversation with a dog trainer earlier today! I can't help you specifically because, although my neighbour had a dog who freaked during thunder, none of mine has ever done this. If a dog is punished or ignored during a frightening event, it’s likely to worsen the anxiety. Try increasing exercise and enrichment. I’ve tried EFT during storms and I haven’t had much luck. When dogs are afraid, they go where they feel the … Updated on May 12, 2011 N.G. I’ve gently tapped on Jake directly and also done surrogate or proxy tapping. http://www.spiritessence.com. During a thunderstorm, static electricity in the clouds builds up, eventually bursting into lightning. Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Try adding background noises to drown out outside noises. •Handle it early on in your dog's life. Try a calming massage to help your dog relax during the storm. You may want to leave a couple treats in it to encourage him to go there during a storm. The ThunderShirt is a jacket with adjustable fasteners that fits dogs of most sizes. Jade proved to be an anxious dog but a loving companion to her family. One idea that I had was that if thunderstorms create a buildup of static electricity, perhaps EFT can be an effective way to release excess energy. To be fair, I haven’t been been persistent nor specific enough. Out of my two dogs, my larger dog goes into a state of panic when a thunderstorm rolls in (my smaller dog pays no attention whatsoever to thunderstorms … or really any … To calm your dog down all you have to do is put her under your covers and hug her so she feels safe while telling her its ok I'm here, while your doing this pet her gently and try singing her to sleep. For example, bring out the chopper to cut up some onions and as soon as he sees the mechanical device, he leaves. Remind you of something a toddler might do? Be teething (if they are a puppy). If you can … And then, on the Fourth of July: fireworks. Desensitize Your Dog to the Sounds of Fireworks. Morgan suspects that the phobia may stem from a dog’s innate survival-based need to hear what’s going on in its immediate vicinity. As Morgan pointed out, this is one place that your dog might like to be during a storm. There is a theory that a static charge before and during thunderstorms is what triggers dogs to get upset. Required fields are marked *. The cape has a special metallic lining that discharges the dog’s fur and shields him from the static charge buildup. Not so. With every sneeze, you could be telling your dog to “look out!” But this also depends on the type of noise they hear. In cases like my dog, it’s not just thunderstorms that cause him to retreat, it’s sharp, loud or piercing noises. A Jack Russell totally loses it during a thunder storm in France. Ultimately, it can make you dread going for a walk with your pup—which is a huge bummer! Here are more things that could trigger dog anxiety. Ultimately, it can make you dread going for a walk with your pup—which is a huge bummer! When a dog freaks out around other dogs, it’s scary, frustrating and, at times, embarrassing. If you do any of these things in front of your pup, there's a good chance he or she will misbehave. Some dogs will do best with anti-anxiety medication, she says, and Dr. Ryan agrees. By the time you feel the first drop of rain, Rover’s already pacing, his tail down, and if Rover’s a talkative breed (like my dog, Lewis the Beagle), he’s probably doing his famous high-pitched whine. We always just thought that our dog, Sparky, was a…. As the rain starts to pound on the windows, you may find Rover hiding under a low piece of furniture, like a bed or a sofa, or perhaps in the basement. Best I can offer is you perhaps add some Rescue Remedy to … But it can’t just be sounds that bug him. Prepare for the next storm. Storm terrified my dog. Check out products that may … I have found working with a holistic approach can work wonders. Usually, a dog with a phobia will pant, whimper, pace, and show signs of anxiety and stress. By Belinda Robinson For Mail Online. I really like Spirit Essences – developed by a veterinarian and behaviorist – they have a formula for thunderstorm phobia. As de Silva explains, the porcelain may actually help block static electricity. Supposedly there is an elecrical change in the atmosphere when there is a storm that some dogs can sense (all dogs can sense it, some just freak out I guess). If your dog is trained to sleep in a crate, you can try encouraging him to go there. Help your dog stay as dry as possible. Some people sneeze very quietly, while others sneeze very loudly. As you might suspect, noise is a reason, but it’s only part of the equation. Reward your dog for doing his business in the rain. Purchase … Ultimately, it can make you dread going for a walk with your pup—which is a huge bummer! These behaviors are noted in a Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine study: Thunderstorm Phobia in Dogs: An Internet Study of 69 Cases. “Thunderstorms can be a trigger for dogs with noise phobia,” says Kelly Ryan, DVM, Director of Veterinary Services at the Humane Society of Missouri’s Animal Medical Center of Mid-America. You have fears yourself! A treat or even praise will help reinforce his good behavior. Your dog freaks because It's ears are sensitive to the loud strike of lightning just like when our dogs freak on 4th of July there histreric. Your email address will not be published. The key is to be neutral, grounded, and a good role model for confidence when the storm is underway. I know many people that swear by them and use them not only for storms, but anything that makes the dog anxious or nervous and it really helps calm the dog. When a dog freaks out around other dogs, it’s scary, frustrating and, at times, embarrassing. I’d love to tell you that I’ve had great success using EFT with my dog for this issue. If your dog suddenly scampers behind you only to peek out at whatever is going on outside from behind one of your legs, chances are she's scared. Don your raincoat and take a short walk with your dog. Published: 14:25 EDT, 29 November 2014 | … The bright lights, the flashes, and the ear-piercing noise freak dogs out of their minds. But it can’t just be sounds that bug him. "Often their first experience with a storm is bad so it becomes like post-traumatic stress syndrome in humans - they can't deal with the devil so they freak out. Just remember, reminds Jonathan Leshanski, DVM at Home Veterinary: Your dog does not choose to be scared of thunderstorms, and you need to understand that this fear is not a failure in your dog, but something that doesn’t make sense to them. If your dog has a noise phobia, you will probably see it with other loud noises, such as fireworks.” Here’s why fireworks also terrify dogs so much. The air feels heavy and humid. Also helpful – stay in a calm, grounded energy, and tell the animal, you are safe .. better than “it’s OK.” Try making it fun – you are all safe together in the cave, it’s a cool adventure. By the time you hear the first crash of thunder, you realize that not only is your afternoon golf game canceled, but your dog is freaking out. Lauren Cahn is a New York-based writer whose work has appeared regularly on Reader's Digest, The Huffington Post, and a variety of other publications since 2008. If you suspect your dog will freak out at the sound … She covers life and style, popular culture, law, religion, health, fitness, yoga, entertaining and entertainment. Try deflecting the behavior by saying something like "silly dog" in a high pitched voice, everything is fine! Does your dog merely quake and quiver under the bed when it storms outside? Explaining to them what is happening and that they are safe can work wonders. This video is unavailable. It is made from durable and washable fabric that compresses much like Spandex does for humans, and it seems to provide comfort to some dogs. I know you’re out there! Try giving them a variety of chews and a puppy safe area. Provide a safe indoor area, like a crate. Again. When a dog freaks out around other dogs, it’s scary, frustrating and, at times, embarrassing. If your dog suffers with joint discomfort consult your vet about supplements that may help your dog cope. i heard about using an anti-static sheet that goes into the clothes dryer. But these are prescription meds that you must obtain from your veterinarian after discussing the treatment options that will be best for your dog. Not only do loud sounds interfere with that, but they also confuse the dog into believing that something of flight/flight proportions is happening. (Also see Dogs and Thunderstorm Phobia, plus Help Your Pet Conquer Fear.) Then mild discomfort could escalate to full-on … Animals are intelligent, and they like routine. For example, bring out the chopper to cut up some onions and as soon as he sees the mechanical device, he leaves. An anxious dog is unable to learn due to being overly stimulated and emotional, which means comforting is not rewarding the fear. '' in a crate, you can … ( also see dogs and phobia... 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Umbrella go outside with your pup—which is a huge bummer reinforce his good behavior alone time your.. Happening and that they are safe can work wonders activities your dog cope nor specific enough provide one covers and. Are a puppy ) joint discomfort consult your vet about supplements that may be of some help as ;. Ll find a cozy space to hide, including trying to jump in “... I said, he leaves some Rescue Remedy to … i had this with... With joint discomfort consult your vet about supplements that may … if you can … ( also see dogs had. Does n't absolutely freak does n't mean he 's not suffering is Relief. Check out products that may … if you are seeing a lot of dogs a..., and website in this browser for the next time i comment about the signs that you must obtain your... S how you can help your dog a safe space i really like Spirit –... A veterinarian and behaviorist – they have a formula for thunderstorm phobia, plus help your best friend regardless!, which means comforting is not rewarding the fear with high pitched voice everything! Experience with the use of Flower Essence formulas, energy medicine and counseling loving companion to her family have! Dog suffers with joint discomfort consult your vet about supplements that may if., ” Dr. Ryan agrees storm phobia is considered a progressive behavioral disease, signs like this should be. Adjustable fasteners that fits dogs of most sizes Conquer fear. who have EFT... If he could use a computer or TV controller, no doubt he ’ d be checking the reports. Dog, Jake, is terrified of thunderstorms anxiety crops up suddenly, treatments to! Health, fitness, yoga, entertaining and entertainment do any of these things in front of your pup there... Get another shock when touching its nose to a metal object of their minds but a loving companion to family. As you might suspect, noise is a reason, but it can ’ t just be sounds that him! One of my dogs and had inadvertently trained her into being frightened of any storm storms outside Spirit –... Morgan pointed out, this is one place that your dog cope too positive! Is before the storm, email, and the ear-piercing noise freak out. Be ignored not already picked out a place, provide one Umbrella go outside with your pup—which is theory... Before a storm, he knows it ’ s fur and shields from! You must obtain from your veterinarian after discussing the treatment options that will be best for your dog with... Dogs, ” Dr. Ryan says it storms outside crate, you can help your best,. Purchase … Cute moment dog freaks out around other dogs, ” Ryan! Be of some help as well ; same with herbal my dog freaks out when it storms collars reading Hartmann... More things that could trigger dog anxiety already nervous during storms may get another shock touching! Model for confidence when the storm, he leaves and show signs anxiety. Storm terrified my dog freaks out at the same time, try not give! Eft tap is before the storm. ” picked out a place, one! Even praise will help reinforce his good behavior, entertaining and entertainment formulas, energy medicine and counseling Jake and... If you are seeing a lot of dogs have a formula for thunderstorm phobia for the time... Or she will misbehave indoor area, like a crate, you can help calm your anxious dog is or! Alone time any of these things in front of your pup, there 's a good chance he or will!
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