Thunderstorm Phobia in Pets

2/27/2020 (Permalink)

Take Note of Thunderstorm Phobia in your Pets

Spring and summer weather will be here before we know it and unfortunately thunderstorms go hand in hand with these seasons. Warm weather storms can be ferocious and usually very loud. If you have a four-legged, fury family member the chances are you notice their unusual behavior before, during, and even after these storms.

Watching your pet pace, pant, hide, and cry during these moments can be very sad and even take hours upon hours after the storm for them to return to behaving like the normal calm companions they usually are. It is very common for your pets to act this way and almost all of them do – this is called Thunderstorm Phobia.

Experts and veterinarians aren’t exactly sure what sets your pet off during these moments, but it is believed to be a combination of thunder, wind, lightning, pressure changes, and even very low frequency rumbles.  Below are some things you can do to prevent and care your pets when experiencing Thunderstorm Phobia:

Reward calm behavior year-round

• If an owner only consoles their pet during these high anxiety moments it will only increase the pets’ anxiety and panicky behavior. Experts say to practice getting your pet to ‘settle’ on demand frequently even in low stress situations will reduce hardship during a storm.

Provide Safe Place

• When storms take place, pay close attention to where your pet often migrates to. Safe places can be open boxes/crates in basements, interior rooms, bathrooms, etc. Make sure your pet can come and go easily and often to avoid even more stress.

Desensitize During Winter Months

• Some people even play thunderstorm audio at low volume to where your pet will recognize it without panic. If your pet can handle this, and shows little to no signs of anxiety, you can increase the volume month after month. While doing this, be sure to give reward treats to your pets. This encourages your pets’ handling of storm noises.

Thunderstorms can be a very difficult time for your pet. It is important to watch and recognize their behavior closely during these times. It is also recommended to be pro-active in the necessary thunderstorm phobia training. This is often necessary to have your pet be able to calmly react during these warm weather storm.