Dogs and Thunderstorms

**gkp1031** · 07-17-2004, 09:39 PM

Does anyone have any advice about what I can do to help calm my dog during a thunderstorm? He shakes like crazy, hides under the bed, paces back and forth and freaks out. My vet has suggested trying calming essence, rescue remedy and melatonin. I've tried all of them, and nothing helps him--not even a little bit. I try leaving the radio on for him, so the thunder doesn't sound as loud, but that doesn't work. I feel so bad for him, just curious if anyone else has to deal with this, or is it just my spoiled dog!! He's an Italian Greyhound.

**voodidit** · 07-17-2004, 09:49 PM

I wish I could help....my Roscoe is scared of thunder and other loud noises, it took him a week to recover from the 4th of July. He wouldn't even go outside to the bathroom!

**Heather** · 07-17-2004, 10:17 PM

I totally understand. Our dog, Sandy (golden retreiver/chow) can hear a storm coming hours before. Nothing seems to work either. She just wants to be right beside ME so that's what happens....I keep her close and she feels protected I guess. When the storm comes at night though she comes upstairs and paces back and forth...........

**seadream** · 07-18-2004, 05:15 PM

My older dog is deathly afraid of thunder, fireworks, etc. He will hide in any small dark place he can find, he too shakes and run arounds like crazy until he finds a place to hide.
When we get thunderstorm we can usually find him in a closet, behind the cellar door, or in the bathtub.

**frugalmel** · 07-18-2004, 06:17 PM

My only advice is to either keep them with you or let them go somewhere they feel "safe" ie: under the bed, in the closet, etc.

**slowtypinwoman** · 07-18-2004, 10:01 PM

I was thinking maybe a kennel with a blanket over the top and a radio nearby with clasical music?

**cozyquilter** · 07-18-2004, 10:36 PM

Thunder does bother our Jack Russell, Trixie, but she usually hides under our bed and its not a hugh issue.....but

This 4th of July she went crazy with the fireworks and couldn't hide or calm herself down...I think she was hyperventating!! I took her for a ride in the car with the windows up and the air on and "lite" music on the radio...it took her a while but she finally was able to calm herself...she loves riding in the car.

We got back home and there were still a bit of fireworks, but she was able to keep calm..

When we got home...DH just shook his head and said "she's a dog"...but, gave us both a hug..

**gkp1031** · 07-20-2004, 08:50 AM

Thanks for all the suggestions! I usually try to be in the same room with him, to hopefully calm him down, but he doesn't stay still. I let him go under the bed if he wants, and I always talk to him and tell him its ok.

The kennel idea is a good one, but he gets too freaked out in one. I was crate training him way back when I first got him and he would make himself sick every day. I got rid of the crate and he's been ok. He's more of an on the couch under the afghan type of dog! Yes, he's very spoiled!!

**canadian gardener** · 07-20-2004, 10:42 AM

wish I had something. I ditto the radio. Dozer finds me and shivers beside me. I cuddle her and that helps a little. She hides under my feet, or under the computer desk. But then her nerves get to her and she has to pace.

The radio drowns out the worst of it. Put it on loud, and some music station that you have on normally but louder.