Posted on June 16, 2009 by: WayCoolDogs

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Nothing is worse than dogs who are terrified of lightning, thunder and storms in general–any kind of loud noise which sends them running.  In the album “Rain Dogs” by Tom Waits, he refers to rain dogs as those who are lonely and lost. I view rain dogs as dogs who are petrified of lightening and storms, running in terror until they cannot find their way back home.

Inside a broken clock

Splashing the wine with all the rain dogs

Taxi, we’d rather walk

Huddle a doorway with the rain dogs

For I am a rain dog too

When I thing of a rain dog, I think of our rescue dogs who would rather hide  inside at the first clap of thunder which accompanies  the storms. Puddles of water, broken-down tall weeds and limbs lying everywhere…and shaking dogs huddled in the corners of our house. Granted, not all dogs are afraid of storms but those who do more than make up for the ones which are not.

Scenes of recent storms show havoc in Central Nebraska with the most recent heavy deluges. Last night we had 65-mile winds and three-inches of rain. The thunder seemed to never quit rolling across the skies.  I always wonder what kind of life had these dogs lived in their pasts which causes so much terror in their lives today during such events of nature?

STORMS, LIGHTENING AND RAIN DOGS

Lightening and loud thunderous noises bother many dogs, with the most sensitive dogs feeling them many miles away before they ever hit close by. Barrels of thunder usually will roll across the Nebraska plains for a long time before the rains and lightening land on top of us,with dogs screaming and digging before we even know a storm is coming. This is a storm terror few dogs get rid of easily, many requiring medication to survive it without falling apart. But before it resorts to that, try out some other ideas first:

• Comfort your dog but not in a “there is something the matter but I cannot let my dog know” voice, as they will always know.  Try not to be too sympathetic yet still caring–a tight line to walk but one that is necessary.

• Use a hearty and happy tone when talking to your dog–not a hard or harsh tone when reassuring them as it will have the opposite effect.

• Crating your dog in a quiet inside room is advised for many extreme dogs who are afraid of storms. The crate represents security and safety, which goes back to their instinct to “hide out” in a small hidden space. Crates which are not “open” with bars are best, instead using a carrying crate with it being large enough for the dog to comfortably turn around in. Place their favorite blanket and toy inside, while turning on some easy music within the room. Sit the crate with it facing you while you are reading a book or listening to the music, reassuring the dog everything is fine in a normal tone of voice.
  

• The worst place for a storm terrorized dog is to be kept outside if they are afraid of storms, as many have run away even in a fenced yard and can become permanently lost.

• Background noises work well if the music is calm or the television show is not one with loud noises or blaring music, which would be as bad to the dog with noise phobia as loud thunder.
  

• Conditioning dogs to storms with an audiotape of thunder and lightning works well as a training device. Play it softly while playing with the dog and its favorite toy at the beginning, then gradually playing it louder and louder in gradual steps works the best. Only move to the next step when you feel the dog is comfortable with the loud storm noises.

• Dogs who fear storms will get worse as they age until it becomes a phobia (a persistent, excessive, and irrational fear response) at least until their hearing begins to diminish. The best time to work with them is when they are younger before it gets too bad.

• Dogs who are afraid of storms may also be afraid of firecrackers, gunshots and possibly flocks of birds flying overhead.

• Dogs with separation anxiety have a tendency to develop noise phobia, or certain breeds such as Basset Hounds, Collies, German Shepherds or Beagles.
  

• Over the years, dogs may begin to associate events or sounds with the noise source. Rain may cause terror as it is associated with lightning or thunder. The sight of a gun may cause terror in a dog as it is associated with gunshots.
  

MEDICATION FOR STORM TERRORS IN DOGS

Flower essences like Rescue Remedy or melatonin usually will take effect within an hour of administration and have been used successfully. It  should be given about one hour before the storm hits or before any noise events.

Traditional medication may take three to four weeks to be effective, with other drugs need to be used on a daily basis (Prozac, Amitriptyline or Buspirone). Other meds may be used in combination or by themselves:

• lprazolam (Xanax)
• Amitriptyline (Elavil)
• Buspirone (Buspar)
• Clomipramine (Clomicalm)
• Clorazepate (Tranxene)
• Diazepam (Valium)
• Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Inderal
• Paroxetine (Paxil)
• Tranxene-SD

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