Many anecdotal accounts support Adaptil’s efficacy during storms, as well as a, research study published in the Journal of the British Veterinary Association. The signs of wind phobia are closely related to thunderstorms and any other weather related challenges. A common myth has it that if you pet your pup during an anxious episode, they’ll feel more afraid. Whether it’s the rain, wind, or thunder, some dogs can display extreme anxiety and are miserable during these storms. Without any treatment, storm phobia in dogs worsens over time. Wind can trigger panic in some dogs, often taking owners by surprise. As wind is unpredictable, one can’t give a dog or cat calming aids before the issue, such as Rescue Remedy, Benedryl, Lavender oil, or Pet Acoustics Cubes because it JUST HAPPENS. These snug-fitting vests apply sustained, comforting pressure to your dog’s torso. Other options include relaxation protocols to train a calm response on command, nutraceuticals like l-theanine or a dog appeasing pheromone collar, or a tight wrap made for anxious dogs. Sound familiar? You can also try adding sound-dampening materials to your dog’s safe spot. : a cape with a silver, anti-static lining. In fact, one of his subjects reported that their dog “, would run to the place where the cape was hanging during storms and look at it longingly until his owner put it on him.”. What sorts of things have you tried to help with your dog’s storm phobia? ... I’ve had several people tell me they have children with a wind phobia. The key is to pair something your dog loves with the earliest signs of the storm, and continue providing it while the storm lasts. With a little trial and error, you can find a treatment (or combination of treatments) to help your dog feel safe and secure during a storm. He found the cape relieved anxiety during thunderstorms. Dogs can show anxiety or fear with wind, rain, thunder, and lightening. Its not in the forecast, and with wind can come lots of odd noises-bells ringing, things clanking and clambering and trash cans being strewn about. This over-the-counter supplement is widely available. In dogs with mild cases, simple counter-conditioning can ease anxiety. , prominent advocate of positive reinforcement-based training, has produced a set of. Especially in severe cases, medication can be a lifesaver for a storm-phobic dog. It’s likely, given that so many dogs exposed to terrible stimuli do not become phobic that there is some genetic liability associated with the development of phobias. Since you can’t always predict when storms will happen, such recordings allow you to control the frequency and intensity of exposure. Gastrointestinal and stomach problems in dogs are common. Just like humans, dogs and cats can have phobias. This exacerbation is often sudden during a particularly violent storm. Begin by playing them at a low volume, paired with your dog’s favorite treats or games. The wind kicks up, thunder rumbles in the distance, and your dog is panting, trembling, and looking for a place to hide. 711 Capitol Way S., Suite 204, Olympia, WA 98501. Thunderstorm Phobia is the term used to describe the overwhelming panic and anxiety some dogs exhibit before and during a thunderstorm. This is a very real condition and attention needs to be given as these poor pups are truly distressed. Signs of wind phobia: Excessive panting Inability to calm and/or settle in. Counter-conditioning can also keep puppies who haven’t had much exposure to storms from developing a phobia. “Recently, I saw a dog that was extremely frightened of the sound of wind after having been in a home when it was hit by a tornado,” says Dr. Borns-Weil. It is the most common subtype of noise phobias in dogs. that specifically evaluated its use for storm phobia. Wind is always different. . If noise/storm phobias are specific cases of phobias, in general, we know that these run in family lines. Storm phobia is an incredibly common problem for dogs, especially among herding breeds. The behavioral response may vary from mild pacing or panting up to escape behaviors such as digging repetitively at the door, trembling severely, or injuring teeth and nails to get out of confinement. Symptoms Researchers estimate there are more than 62,400,000 dogs … There are a number of storm-specific triggers that make this phobia unique, including abnormally darkening skies, the booming thunder and cracking lightning, the sound of wind or pouring rain, static electricity that builds up during storms, and changes in barometric pressure. ). For days, we’ve planned, prepared and discussed scenarios of where to go during the worst of the wind and rain. Best of luck with the blustery days ahead and lets hope your dog is not affected. Noise phobia in dogs is relatively common and can be a source of great distress. A reaction that can develop in dogs of all ages, what may start as an acceptable short-term fear can in some cases generalize to other situations and develop into a full-blown phobia. So cuddle away! The wind kicks up, thunder rumbles in the distance, and your dog is panting, trembling, and looking for a place to hide. Dr. Dodman, in his book. Applying pressure to the abdomen, the Thundershirt hits a calmative point in your dog. Noise phobic dogs are triggered mainly by the sounds themselves (usually lightning, fireworks, gun shots, and engines). The goal is to gradually increase your dog’s ability to remain calm and happy during the recordings. Like many dogs, she has storm phobia. Many dogs are fearful of thunderstorms. Sound familiar? Nicholas Dodman, director of the Animal Behavior Program at Tufts University, set out to test the effectiveness of the Storm Defender, . , a noted animal behaviorist and author of “The Other End of the Leash,” explains it this way. Dogs can exhibit fearful behavior in a variety of circumstances. Noise phobia is very common in dogs and may be triggered by a single experience or prolonged exposure to sounds that overwhelm the dog, causing anxiety, stress and fear. Dr. Grandin advises putting on the wrap for 20-30 minutes, removing it for a similar period, and then reapplying it. Privacy Policy. However, calmly soothing and reassuring your dog. “Your goal is to condition your dog to associate thunder with something he loves, so that his emotional response to the loud noise is ‘Oh boy!’ rather than ‘Oh No!’”. can also be effective. Counter-conditioning is getting the dog to have a response that is incompatible with the phobia. Treatment for phobia of the wind can vary, depending on other components of the phobia (thunder, etc. It is different from a fear, as the fear response is usually brought on by real danger, and the phobic response is due to perceived danger. Affected dogs will pace, hide, salivate, shake, and generally panic during storms… Some dogs are afraid of riding in the car. When a real storm arrives, she’ll be more prepared to cope. Temple Grandin, professor of animal sciences, has researched this method and discusses it in her book, . Lightning, rain, wind, and other storm conditions may also contribute to a negative association with all storms. As social creatures, dogs often take their cues from others around them. They can be mild and barely noticeable or extremely serious and life-threatening. Not so sure for this puppy! Dog Anxiety Gas Dogs suffer from stress and anxiety as much as people do, though it can be harder to recognize their symptoms. This fear is often due to a lack … Around a third of people who seek treatment for specific phobias have an irrational fear of either dogs or cats. Fear of Riding in the Car. Holidays4Dogs looks into this lesser known canine phobia and what can be done to alleviate wind sensitivity in dogs. Most dog owners will have to … © 2021 A Place for Rover, Inc. All Rights Reserved. For days when wind was expected to be a problem, the dog can also given a benzodiazepine, which is a very potent and fast-acting (but short duration) inhibitor of anxiety; the most common of these in human medicine are Valium and Xanax. New tricks: Dog that used to be scared of the wind is now helping his owner with canine coaching Olla was so terrified that owner feared it might be kinder to … If your dog’s anxiety is serious enough, there are a variety of prescription medications … Storm phobia is an incredibly common problem for dogs, especially among herding breeds. There are a variety of ways to put the brakes on storm phobia. As a professional pet sitter, we come across all sorts of challenges in our service areas from Kenosha to Brookfield. To help alleviate static, try the. Recovery from storm phobia (or any other behavioral issue for that matter) is never a straight line. When a storm approaches, many pet parents have noticed their dog heading for a bathtub, sink, or basement drain. It’s great for wind phobia and other sensitivities your family dog may face. The good news? In the same way that human beings can have fears about things that don’t often make sense, or have an obvious explanation; so too can our dogs.