Thunderstorms and Fireworks

Thunderstorms and Fireworks

Summer is upon us and with it come 2 unpleasant events for dogs – bad weather and the fireworks associated with long weekend celebrations. Dogs have an incredible capacity to sense incoming thunderstorms well before they arrive. The loud bangs associated with thunder and fireworks can be very anxiety-provoking for dogs. Dogs will manifest their anxiety with panting, pacing, restlessness, hiding under the bed or on top of their owner!

There are several ways we can help to reduce your dog’s anxiety with fireworks and thunderstorms. You can attempt to desensitize your dog by playing firework or thunder sounds from the internet (e.g. YouTube) at a low volume to condition your dog. Playing them first quietly gives your dog an opportunity to become accustomed to the noise gradually as you increase it over weeks. The goal while playing these sounds is to avoid anxiety. Calm behavior can be reinforced and rewarded while these sounds are playing with treats and praise.

There is a product called a Thundershirt which snugly fits around your dog’s torso. Its design helps to relieve anxiety during thunderstorms and other stressful events. A synthetic pheromone spray or collar called Adaptil can be useful in calming your anxious dog. When all else fails, there is an anti-anxiety medication called Alprazolam that is very helpful at alleviating your dog’s fear during these times. Give us a call to discuss this further so you and your dog can get a good night’s sleep on stormy nights!

Dr John Booth