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The "Booming" Dilemma - Dogs and their fear of Thunder

Spring showers may give us hope of May flowers, but could also cause the booming thunder that sends your pet running for cover. An estimated 19% of dogs suffer from what veterinarians term "thunder phobia". The phobia can range from mild anxiety, whining, frantic pacing, hiding, running away, even jumping out of windows. 

Although no one knows for sure what causes some dogs to panic during storms, it is believed to be caused by a combination of noise, flash of lightning and change in barometric pressure. Some dogs even have the emotional element of having a bad experience during a storm such as a falling tree or an owners' own anxiety.

Thunder phobia, like other health concerns, can best be dealt with through prevention. Assuring young dogs and puppies that everything will be alright and keeping them from developing the phobia can be key. With most dogs, the phobia, once developed, will only worsen with age.

If your dog does have thunder phobia, it is never to late to work with your pet. Holistically, desensitization (behavior modification) can work well. It takes an investment of time on the owners part to slowly introduce the thunderstorm sounds (using a tape or CD). This will normally take several weeks.

Another approach is the use of herbs and herbal-based products. Products, formulated for pets, containing chamomile are found most effective. Many of these can be given prior to the start of the storm and the calming effect will last for several hours.

* At this time, there are no documented side effects from these herbal remedies and many owners opt for the natural instead of the pharmaceutical (drug therapy) approach. Be sure to discuss these alternatives with your veterinarian.

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