My dog just jumped into the bathtub...He's afraid of thunder

[GoddessOfGuinness]

This is the first time he's ever done that. It seems like his fear is getting worse. He's almost 11. Maybe I should get some kind of anti-anxiety drug for him...

[Haole Girl]

1. My cat used to be afraid of thunder...

So I would comfort him, every time there was a storm, while my husband would tell me I was only making it worse. After a few years of "protecting him" during thunderstorms, my cat calmed down and mysteriously is no longer afraid of storms. Go figure...?

[GoddessOfGuinness]

4. Maybe hormonal changes affect their fears...

[unsavedtrash]

2. Our oldest is 13 and she is terrified of thunder. We had her on

anti-anxiety pills for a while. Our vet said instead of spending the money on those pills just to give her a Benedryl or two when we know it's going to storm. She is quite the heavy girl so we give two and she does great. Another plus is she doesn't have the prescription pill hang-over anymore. Definitely check with the vet first but this has been great for us.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

3. Thanks for the tip!

I'll ask the vet next time we go... :hi:

[riderinthestorm]

5. We just allow ours to sleep on the bed under the covers

No drugs, just comfort.

The storm passes and she crawls out and sleeps at the end of the bed like normal.

I think the animals just need and appreciate a bit of extra love and attention when their anxiety is high, not drugs!

[unsavedtrash]

7. we did everything we could before looking to medicine. But when she could

not be consoled, shook uncontrollably, and screamed and cried until the the storm passed (Even in our arms) we had to look for a medical alternative. I'm glad hugs and love worked for you.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

9. That used to do the trick for him; but now he's unresponsive...

He'll follow us around the house and act clingy sometimes. At other times he'll sit in one place and just freak, not coming when called, and seemingly unaware of everything except the storm. Poor poochie! :(

[swag]

6. Poor guy.

Does he freak out on the Fourth of July as well?

[GoddessOfGuinness]

11. Not so far

Though we have a number of local fireworks displays in the area. I think they're too difficult to hear over the air conditioner, fortunately. Also, I have a feeling he may be sensitive to the change in barometric pressure.

[sbj405]

8. Try putting Bach's Rescue Remedy in his water.

It's worked for some friends of mine whose dog was skiddish about thunder.

You can get it at MOM.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

13. I've seen that...

In fact, I'm going over there tomorrow. It's worth a try...
Thanks for the tip!
:D

[NewWaveChick1981]

10. I feel for your sweetie...

I had a wonderful dog, Kara, that used to be terrified of thunderstorms or any weird noises. She was a shelter dog, and I think she had been traumatized prior to when we adopted her. She would freak out and just go insane trying to find some safe spot in the house. She could never find one, so we never got any sleep if the thunderstorms happened at night. :( She was as good as gold otherwise. When Kara passed away a few years ago, I was sad, but I was also thankful she never had to deal with a thunderstorm again.

Our dog Vicki freaks out at thunderstorms and/or fireworks, but all she does is cower under the bed. She doesn't come out for a long while since it's her safe spot.

Please :hug: your doggie for me!

[GoddessOfGuinness]

14. Poor fella's hugging my feet now...

waiting for the next wave to roll through. this system is relentless. I got soaked at the grocery store earlier!

[Neoma]

12. I remember when my dog kept chewing up doors.

She was afraid of thunder really bad since lightning struck a tree right next to her once. Got bad enough to get a cage.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

15. No wonder she was freaked!

We were having a picnic on Skyline Drive in Shenandoah once, and we had to finish up in the car when a thunderstorm came through. Lightning struck a tree about 10 feet from the car. Made my hair stand on end!

[Neoma]

17. I've seen alot of lightning in my lifetime.

It's not pleasant on camping trips.

[LisaLynne]

16. I have a friend who has to give her dogs...

anti-anxiety meds before any storm. The one started getting more and more terrified as he got old and started hurting himself by running into walls and throwing himself down the basement steps -- really weird things. That made the younger dog start to freak out about them, too, I guess because she knew what was coming from the poor older dog. My friend hates the idea of giving her dogs anything, but she just couldn't find another alternative, so it might end up being the only option. Poor doggie.

I had a cat long ago who would slink into the basement when it started to storm, but none of my current cats could care less. Ah, animals. :)

[texas1928]

18. My parents dog...

Chases the thunder. She runs from one end of the house to the other, barking. She is protecting her house from monsters. She will stand out on their screened in porch and watch the weather and then start barking the minute it lightens.

[Skittles]

19. sans glasses I read DUMPED in the tub

I was GONNA ask you if you KICKED HIS ASS :o