My dog is afraid of thunder!
By KatieS
@KatieS (503)
United States
June 1, 2007 11:19pm CST
She's all curled up next to me, has to be touching me at all times while it's thundering and lightning. It's like I have to save her from the thunder monster or something. She's been that way since she was a pup. She only trusts me to save her from the monster, not my hubby. That's weird!
4 people like this
12 responses
@julieandpico (73)
• United States
2 Jun 07
Luckily, Pico doesn't have this problem. Several of our friends' dogs do and feel a lot better when their people get them something called DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) - http://tinyurl.com/2e8lsp (really a link to an Amazon search)
@terri0824 (4991)
• United States
2 Jun 07
Well, at least she feels protected by you. I have two cats and a dog, a chihuaua. She isn't afraid of storms. But she sure can yap when there is someone at the door. No need for a door bell.
@terri0824 (4991)
• United States
4 Jun 07
I even chuckled at that one. I guess that would be considered LOL with internet talk. It's bad enough when the dog barks when someone is at my door, I can't imagine if she barked when someone was at a neighbors door.
@MakeItCount (350)
• India
2 Jun 07
My dog gets really agitated too. And she barks at the thunder if she's feeling particularly brave, you should see the look of smug satisfaction on her face when the thunder stops after one of her barking marathons- 'that'll teach him, I can out bark any thunder' it says.
@vesuvius (1677)
• Philippines
2 Jun 07
I believe almost all dogs experience such perturbation because of thunders - our dog gets so upset too when thunders occur and when fireworks explode on January 1.. This is because dogs' ears are extra sensitive. Vets say the best thing to do is to comfort the dog - make them feel safe by your presence.
@iiartisanii (254)
• United States
2 Jun 07
Thats the worst thing you can do. You are simply nurturing their anxiety, telling them thats its ok to be panicked. And a dog that is experiencing panic is more likely to be aggressive or get out of the house and run away, never to be seen again.
The REAL best thing you can do is put your dog in a crate or kennel where he will be safe and can't hurt himself. If your dog is an extreme case, its best to have a vet prescribe a mild sedative before thunder storm season is in full swing. You should never pet or reassure a dog that is scared and panicky because you are simply reinforcing that behavior. Dogs are not children, they are not comforted by hugs and soothing words. They simply translate those actions into reaffirmation of their actions.
@younglking (167)
• United States
3 Jun 07
That werid!
I never heard of a dog being afraid of thunder!
the noise could be what making afraid, is the do afraid of alot of noise or is it just thunder!
@emckee (465)
• United States
2 Jun 07
I know, I know. *sigh* I have a Pekingese I adopted 5 years ago and I have to say I use to love storms. But he gets so frightened during thunderstorms. =(
It's even worse now since last year. I've been wondering how he'd handle the new Spring weather this year. Last Fall, he had his eyes removed. (glaucoma gone real bad)
But he used to stare at the windows and wait for lightning, then he'd start shaking knowing the thunder was coming. (how do they know that?!)
But now, he can't "see" when the thunder is on it's way and he's doubly freaked out.
This probably would be best kept a secret, but I grab him up in my arms, make sure the tv or radio is on somewhat loud (to drown out the thunder), and I cuddle him and sing "Amazing Grace" to him.
Always works. :p
@sukumar794 (5040)
• Thiruvananthapuram, India
2 Jun 07
My pet pomeranian is all shivers when thunder strikes. She would fret in fear and hides herself under a chair or other furniture. From her facial expression it can be understood that she is extremely fearful.
@davebrown64 (443)
• United States
2 Jun 07
I think that animals have a certain sense of impending weather and unusual activity around them. Our dog, Bandit, more human than dog, has a unique sense of knowing something is coming that could be detrimental to his family before any of us do. I wonder if animals have this sense since the Bible talks about animals being saved before God destroyed the earth with the great flood during the time of Noah? If not, then animals are truly scared of the weather and hide.
@KatieS (503)
• United States
2 Jun 07
That is so true. My dogs are very smart. They start barking in the middle of the night, I let them outside and they go straight to the woods, like they just knew there was a critter back there or something coming near to the house even thought there was no noise. We had to run to the storm shelter with them last year while it was raining, thundering, lightning and hailing because of a tornado warning. They were real scared then and now maybe they remember that and it scares them.
@madhuraks (425)
• Kuwait
2 Jun 07
ya my dog also does the same thing.He gets down the coat & sits in a corner.He leaves eating for 2days.If v hv tied him he barks at us to leave him & wants us to keep him with us.I will try to keep him comfort but when i see him scared i feel very bad.
