Phobias can occur at any age in dogs. Phobias to loud noises such as thunderstorms and fireworks are fairly common. Left untreated, phobias and the behaviors related to them will continue to worsen over time. Phobic dogs may hide, pant, tremble, pace and/or become aggressive. They pose a danger to themselves, property, other dogs and people. In the midst of panic, a dog may crash through windows or doors, jump fences, chew or dig through doors, attack other dogs or even people in the home. The long-term effects of stress hormones on the dog’s overall health can be very serious. Anyone who has experienced extreme fear or has phobias themselves can begin to understand how this affects a dog’s quality of life. Dogs exhibiting the behaviors associated with storm phobias are suffering. The good news is there are ways to help your dog cope with phobias.

Your dog may be reacting to changes in barometric pressure, changes in ozone levels, the sound of wind or rain or thunder or changes in your behavior as a storm approaches or as it is occurring. Any of these triggers can create a panic situation in your dog. The good news is that there are medications that can treat and even stop the panic your dog is experiencing. The newer drugs we now have available in the proper dosage can treat your dog without tranquilizing or sedating effects. These drugs, known as anxiolytics, act on neurotransmitters in the brain to relieve anxiety. They are safe enough for most dogs that they can be given throughout storm season or around holidays like July 4th to keep your dog’s phobia at bay. They are also effective if given as needed for specific occurrences and some can even stop a panic attack that is already affecting your dog.

Your behavior in response to your dog’s fear can unwittingly worsen the behavior. We all want to comfort our pets if they are anxious or fearful, but unfortunately by comforting them, we are reinforcing the fear. If we keep to our routines and treat our dog as if everything is normal, we can help build confidence in our pet. Try engaging your dog in play to create a diversion from the fearful event. If your dog does not want to play, try just sitting or lying where your dog can be with you without any petting or extra attention. When the storm passes and your dog is calm again, give lots of attention so you are reinforcing the calm behavior.

If your dog has already found a safe place to go during storms, make sure that the place is available to the dog anytime it is needed. Some dogs like to be under blankets when scared. Playing a radio or having a television on may help muffle outside sounds.

It is good to have a plan ready for handling your dog when the dog is upset or panicked that everyone in the household can follow. It will make the time easier for both you and your dog. For example, go to a room or place where the dog feels safe. Give the medication immediately and let the dog settle in without petting or consoling your dog. Turn on the radio or TV to blunt out the sounds and lightning of storms or fireworks. Besides the medication helping to calm the dog, if a routine is in place, the dog is also learning that there is a place to go where everything is okay. When the storm ends, go back to your normal routine.

Storm (and fireworks) phobias are serious problems for both your dog and you. Phobias will continue to escalate if ignored. By acting early to help your dog cope, you will improve your dog’s quality of life. You may also save your dog’s life by preventing self-destructive behavior, escaping and being lost or being surrendered to a shelter because of phobic behaviors.