Spring Storms- Do they upset your doodle?

[Deena Womack]

We just had a fast moving storm go through with lightning, thunder and hail. Cali can not sit still, she has been all through the house and she is whinning. Normally by this time in the evening she is asleep on the couch or just ready to go to bed, this storm has not made her happy at all. We have petted her and hugged her and she is not easily pacified at this point. How do your doodles handle the storms or what do you do to make your doodle less afraid or more comfortable?

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

I have read this same question on two other discussion groups. There seems to be 2 different reasons for the behavior. The first is the noise the second is the static electricity that builds up in the fur. There is a product called Storm Cape that is a foil lined cape that is put on the dog. Some people swear by it others say a tight fitting shirt is just as effective. If it is from the noise some people reccomend desentization or putting on the TV or radio loud or using some other distracting method. Other people reccomend melatonin to calm your dog. Someone suggested valium, I don't think I wuld go there unless nothing else helped and the dog was in real distress over the storm.

Boomer is bothered by the noise. He just needs to be near someone to reassure him.

good luck

[Adina P]

Our doodles are oblivious, but Cass (our border collie) has been storm phobic for years. She just wants to huddle close to Clark and often will hide under his desk while he's at the computer. She has a hard time settling down too. She's never been so bad as to need medication, but I do know some people who pick up meds at the vet every time a storm is brewing or during 4th of July (another time Cass responds similarly). It works well for them.

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

I have been rather lucky, because I have never had a dog afaird of storms, actually it's me who really hates them, I love a no window place, or under the covers goes the head. But what is funny about this is the same methods to calm humans I have recommended for other pet owners who do. My sister in law use to have two really scared dogs, one loved the bath tub during these times and would not come out till it was over, that was his security spot, the other loved going under the bed. They also had to be very carefull with fireworks, the dogs would try and run away.

So I would create a safe haven for Cali. If Cali takes off to a certain spot in the house every time it storms make it a comfortable place for her. Place her favorite blanket and toy in the spot and let her stay there until she feels like coming out. It will be her comfort zone when she's feeling anxious.
Give Cali cover. Some dogs have been known to hide under the bed covers during a thunderstorm. If Cali feels safe under the covers give Cali her own blanket to weather the storm. You can place it on her own bed, in her special hiding place or just cover her up wherever she happens to be. Giving your dog her own security blanket will help to calm her fears, kinda like the scared child.

[Deena Womack]

Very good idea about the security blanket. I know she gets stressed very easily about certain situations, so anything that would make her feel comfortable, I would feel better.

[Tammy & Gracie]

I have read that is is very important not to coddle the scared dog, that this just reinforces the bahavior. Make a safe place for them to go on their own. You should remain calm and act normal. I don't have a storm fear dog but one of my best friends does. I read an article about melatonin and showed it to her. She showed it to her vet who said she should try it. She did and it helps alot! The trick is to try to predict the storms so you can get this supplement into the dog before the storm begins.

[Deena Womack]

I was guilty of coddling her last night during the storm, that is why I am glad I could ask the question here, so I could find the right ways of making her less anxious. I do appreciate everyone's feedback.

[nonnie browne]

I am very concerned about this as well - have yet to see it in my six month old doodle react, but had a golden retriever who was inconsolable during storms and the behavior got worse as he got older. We were told that the first clap of thunder or strong wind - grab the favorite toy and teach that the storm means play time. Or give a favorite bone - the storm means treat. We were told on no uncertain terms to coddle and reinforce the behavior. I must tell you none of that worked. Neither did crating him in his bed. The only thing he could tolerate was being on our lap - yep - 90 pound retriever on the lap or in the bed (stress panting the whole time) until the storm subsided, then he was perfectly normal. I also boarded him during the fourth of july. Drugs had no impact other than he slept after - but did nothing to calm him during the event.

So now I have a new baby -six month old - and we have yet to have our first whopper storm. We have had a few minor ones and I have done the plaything and he didnt seem to notice the storm, so I am hoping!!!. I am keeping my fingers crossed because it seems that some dogs have a more resilient personality than others - did I get one of those this time?. I have read about the tight shirt thing and I wish I would have tried that before after all the sleepless nights. We live smack in the middle of the US and get some whopper storms coming across Kansas in the middle of the night!

Good luck!

[Chris & Boys]

Since we are in a drought this year, my little Fozzy Bear has yet to experience a hard rain or thunderstorm. But my GR is deathly afraid of storms and fireworks. I use lavender essence oils. I put some on a cotton ball and tie in into a bandana. If you would like I could give you the name of the product I use. My sister bought it for me. I could ask her where she bought it online.

[Deena Womack]

Is is used like aromatherapy? And it calms the doodle down? I wouldn't mind trying it. If you could share the info you have on it, I would appreciate it.

[Chris & Boys]

Yep, exactly. It is a calming essence. I bought Bach "Rescue Remedy" thier website is http://www.bachflower.com/Pets.htm You can also check the net to see who has the lowest prices. You can also put it in thier water. I think they also have a spray now too. Good Luck with it.

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

My concerns about doing play time or treat time during a storm is; what happens when your not home and the pup/dog is home alone and a storm happens, if they are in crates, they can actually harm themselves really bad (does not mean it will happen, but possibly can), if they have the run of the house, they can damage the house and injure themselves. A friend of mine does rescue for Grey Hounds, one of her rescues she had just placed hated storms, loved being in its crate, but the new owners were at work, and sure enough we had a bad hail storm, the dog got its leg stuck in the wiring of the crate and may loose the leg, they don't know if they can save it. Plus when the new owners came home to this, they tried to get the dog out of the crate, the dog wound up biting the new owner, and now it has to be quarenteened for 14 days and a real mess going on with it all. Why I suggested letting your dog find its own comfort zone and making it pleasurable for them, with a blanket and favorite toy.

[Deena Womack]

How sad, I hope it all works out for the grey hound and it's owners.

I can not get Cali any where near her crate, it still sits there like a piece of furniture and collects dust. My husband can get her into it, if we really needed to but there really hasn't been a reason for quite some time. I think the security blanket is a great idea and she has her favorite places to relax so we will encourage her to use them before the next storm approaches.