How to Handle a Pet's Fear of Thunderstorms

Does the sound of thunder make your pooch huddle beneath the furniture? Many pets, especially dogs, have a fear of thunderstorms. It can be so agonizing for them that it makes a pet owner feel guilty that they cannot make their pet feel better. As an owner, there are some things you can do to handle a pet's fear of thunderstorms.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Try to be home when severe weather strikes so that your pet doesn't have to suffer alone. Having his owner nearby can be a relief in itself.
2. Don't reinforce their fearful behavior. For example, if your pet is scared or nervous, and shows this by shivering and running for the closet, don't give the pet additional attention by petting, talking or following the animal. This positive reinforcement encourages the behavior.
3. Talk to your vet about pharmaceuticals that may help if the pet expresses severe reactions to the fear of a storm, such as eliminating or destroying things in an attempt to escape the home.
4. Use stimulus that will desensitize the pet to the sounds of a storm. One way to do this is to buy a CD of storm sounds and play it in your home so your pet gets used to it. Start the sound at a low level, and reward the pet for showing relaxed behavior despite the sound.
5. Note the signs that your pet is scared of a storm. These include pacing or exploring the home, holding ears up, panting, shaking, trembling, hiding, barking, howling or whimpering. Following you or trying to get your attention in other ways are additional cues.