Fear of Thunder

I know lots of dog owners have this problem. One solution I often hear is wrapping the dog in a blanket sort of drown the sound away but dogs do have sensitive hearing. I'd prefer training the dog to a recorded sound of thunder but haven't really tried that one yet. Anyone else having this problem? and how'd you handle it?

I've had this problem with a cat, he'd run to the basement and hide away. I noticed that he would not be so scared if someone was nearby to reassure him, so when we had a thunderstorm I'd pick him up and keep petting him, telling him that it's okay. It worked, he does not panic anymore when it storms.

RustyK wrote:

I've had this problem with a cat, he'd run to the basement and hide away. I noticed that he would not be so scared if someone was nearby to reassure him, so when we had a thunderstorm I'd pick him up and keep petting him, telling him that it's okay. It worked, he does not panic anymore when it storms.

My cat's don't care about thunder or lighting. My dog, now she flips out! Froix, I do that as well, I wrap the dog in a blanket and let her come on the couch with us and watch some TV, it's good to hug the dog or pet him/her as it will relieve them.

I just saw a news report on this last night- they say it's quite common with dogs. Never yell at the dogs when they act up if they are afraid of the storm. Try to comfort them. Yelling will make things worse.
Keep them inside- and talk to them- Pet them... make them feel more safe.

KrisNY wrote:

I just saw a news report on this last night- they say it's quite common with dogs. Never yell at the dogs when they act up if they are afraid of the storm. Try to comfort them. Yelling will make things worse.
Keep them inside- and talk to them- Pet them... make them feel more safe.

I can see how yelling will only reinforce their fear. They look up to the owner, and if they see the owner calm and trying to comfort them, they will understand that it's okay. But if the owner is shouting, then something is definitely wrong!

some of my dogs are really afraid of the thunder and even fireworks. when this happens, i try to hug them and talk to them. their fear may still be there but at least it does decrease. as long as they see people around them, they won't get scared too much.

My chow is scared to death of thunder. If she is outside when the storm starts she absolutly panics. She barks and scratches at the door like crazy. Once she is inside she`s fine.