Dogs in a Thunderstorm

[echokilo]

If my 8 year old Staffy is left alone indoors in a thunder storm (even with blinds closed and radio on loud) she chews up my door frames (the doors are open, so she is not shut away anywhere) She never cheqs ordinarily and it's only ever the door frames (oh and she did once go through a hollow door teeth first - hence why she is never now shut away .... HELP!!!

[woofgang]

You can get desensitizing CD's that you play louder and louder as the dog is doing something nice, also DAP diffusers which give out dog appeasing pheromone which is the same as Mums give out when feeding their pups. both can help to stop the panic behaviour you describe. Can I suggest that you get some professional advice about dealing with this?

[echokilo]

Any suggestions where to go for the advice Woofgang? I have tried the diffusers and the CD .... helped a little with fireworks but usually know when thesemight be happening, unlike thunderstorms

[woofgang]

your vet may have information about a behaviourist, ours certainly does, I live in south hampshire. There are loads on the internet too but no guarantee that they will help

[kita1]

You say she has the run of the house, but does she have somewhere 'safe' to run to? I am thinking of an indoor kennel/cage with a blanket over the top to make it like a den, leave the door open all the time. Sometimes dogs feel safer in smaller areas rather than in a big empty room/house.

It is very difficult to train for something that happens when you are not there.

I had a GSD that was absolutely terrified of fireworks and thunder, she would be trying to dig her way out of a concrete floor - and that was when we were in the room with her (plus my other two dogs were asleep, snoring!), there was just no way of getting through to her. Unfortunately she was like that all her life. I never found anything that could stop her going into total panic mode. The one time we had a thunder storm when I was out she actually broke one of her big back teeth trying to chew through metal mesh (put in the doorway to seperate her from her sister).

What is she like when you are home and there is thunder?

[paraffin]

Hi echo:

There's been a lot of waffle on here but no solutions. Why? For sadly there aren't any.

[echokilo]

Thanks guys ... I get the picture ... no answer - my poor little girsl is terrified of fireworks and thunder - she is better when I am there and doesn't cheq she just cries and shakes violently .... just wish I could make her feel better ... not so worried about the woodwork - that can be repaired!!!

[kita1]

I would definately try giving her a small 'den' that she can run to for cover.

[blackcat77]

My oldest labrador hates fireworks, thunderstorms etc so he has some tranquilizing tablets from the vet called Xanax - they definitely do help him. Having said that, he only ever has enough for about a week, as it can be addictive and the dosage rate is much lower than human Xanax. He usually starts with one in his supper, then one more a bit lateron. He's never had to have more than that, so I think it's worth it. Why not ask your vet for advice?

[surbabu4]

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