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For many dogs, thunderstorms are the stuff of nightmares.
Canine thunderstorm phobia, or astraphobia, is a surprisingly common anxiety disorder in dogs.
While some dogs might display mild unease, severely phobic dogs experience debilitating terror.
Its heartbreaking to witness our beloved companions in such distress.
The information provided herein is for informational purposes only.
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Why Are Dogs Afraid of Thunderstorms?
Dogs like things to be predictable, so those big booms violate their sense of order.
Loud thunder to us is like an explosion to them!
Plus, they have other powers we dont.
Dogs can sense barometric pressure changes before a storm, causing them to feel uneasy and act odd.
Lightning in a storm is super bright, startling dogs and adding to their fear.
Its like swaddling a baby when the pressure changes, making dogs afraid of thunderstorms.
Dogs can also receive minor static shocks from the accumulation of static electricity that comes with thunderstorms.
Maybe they were outside during a storm and felt scared because they didnt know what was happening.
Your dog might even showsigns of separation anxietyif left alone during a storm.
Its like how some kids are more scared of the dark than others.
Certain dog breeds, especially those that herd animals, are made to be extra alert.
This means they might get startled more easily by loud noises like thunder.
And any dog can also get a jumpy personality from their parents!
This can reduce signs of fear during storms.
Remember, patience is key when trying to help dogs with noise phobia.
Patience and consistency are key during this noise aversion therapy!
This provides a sense of control and predictability that can help your dog during a storm.
Maintain consistent routines for feeding, walks, and play.
Knowing what to expect lowers your dogs everyday anxiety.
Focus on rewarding calm behavior throughout the day, not just during training.
Experiment to find what works best for your dog and helps reduce their fear of thunderstorms.
If your dog is receptive,try engaging them with theirfavorite interactive toysor puzzle feeders filled with high-value treats.
Scatter tasty treats around their safe spaceand let them sniff them out.
Calm and Reassuring Presence
Your dog looks to you for cues.
But offer gentle reassurance and pets if they seek them out and want to be near you.
This activates calming pressure points, similar to swaddling a baby, and can help dogs with anxiety.
Some dogs find an anxiety wrap very helpful, while others dont.
This might entail biting, frantic scratching, chewing on walls, and ultimately, shock.
There may be underlying factors that need to be addressed to help your dog manage those low-frequency rumbles.
The vet can first rule out any medical conditions that might be making anxiety worse.
This can include hearing loss, thyroid issues, changes in air pressure, and other factors.
A veterinary behaviorist can help you with many aspects of storm phobia in dogs.
