Here comes the storm

Storm Anxiety?

CALLIE

With Winter on it's way and storms passing through, thunder and lightening, Wind howling, and more can bring up fears in dogs on occasion.

Years ago we had Callie. (Sable & White Rough Collie)  At about 8 months of age a tornado came through and was blowing, and tearing off a roof close by as I ran to bring in the dogs. There was very little warning, and we all went into bathtub and pulled a twin mattress over us for cover until the tornado had passed.

After this day, Callie was scared to death every time the wind picked up, or thunder and lightening storm passed through. She would run into the bathtub and crawl in shaking until it passed. I found taking a big blanket in and covering her made it easier, or holding her in my arms until the storm passed.  We chuckle years later at this, but it was truly a very difficult thing to endure and it lasted her entire life.

Click forward to all these years later and now I'm aware of things that could have made the storms easier for her to endure. So I'm sharing in case anyone goes through something similar. 

Tips for teaching to desensitize your dog:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Desensitizing+sounds+for+dogs

Here is a video search for desensitizing them.

This one seems to have a relaxing effect on my dogs:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZW3ezPlAZs0

Thundershirts work for some also.
https://www.chewy.com/thundershirt-anxiety-calming-aid-dogs/dp/41103            
One of the biggest things I found I had to watch was my reaction to hearing that first clap of thunder or knowing a storm was rolling in. I found if I looked for a quiet place, like in my room and turned on a movie and pulled Callie up into bed with me, she still would feel the storm, but her reaction was not as severe.

I also found that if I knew a storm was coming and we took a longer walk before, or we played fetch in the yard exerting some of that energy and tiring her, she handled the storm better.

Rescue Remedy also works in hearing from others, and come highly recommended:
www.chewy.com/rescue-remedy-stress-relief-pet/dp/135502

A few things to try:

• Distractions - New chew, play fetch or tug of war, Kong filled with treat etc.
• Noise - White noise, Radio, movie
• Relief Remedies 
• Practice Desensitizing 
• Set up a covered crate hide-a-way. (cave like)
• Ask your Veterinarian for advice                                                                                        

These are just a few things from my limited experience, but I am happy if it helps someone. 

Thanks for reading,
​Suzi       
                                                                                                                         

---

---