There are a few things we can count on during the summertime. Thunderstorms and fireworks! Both can evoke a fear response or even cause a phobia to occur in your dog. Fears and phobias of loud noises can develop from an isolated incident or from continued exposure to the noise. Although some dogs react with a mild fear response of panting and/or pacing, other dogs become extremely agitated and panicked. In the more extreme cases, the dog would be considered to be having a phobic response to the stimulus of the storm or fireworks. So why does this occur? Some dogs have an inherent sensitivity to the stimulus due to genetic predispostion, however some dogs may have had a traumatic experience associated with the stimulus. Either way, once you have identified that your pet may have a fear or phobia, you can take steps to help decrease the intensity of your pets reaction to the stimulus.
Even before a thunderstorm occurs, your dog may show signs of fear and anxiety. In the case of thunderstorms, the fear stimulus may not just be the loud thunder, but may also include the darkening of the sky, high winds, and even the drop in barometric pressure. During the storm, the flashes of lightning and loud rain, wind and thunder are of course the main stimuli. With thunderstorm fears and phobias, it is important to address the fear as soon as it begins by recognizing when it truly begins. Fireworks do not present as many stimuli and the sound is the main stimulus as it will occur before the bright lights.
To begin, know the signs of fear and anxiety. These include:
- Pacing
- Panting
- Shaking
- Whining
- Trying to hide
Commonly, these behaviours can be confused for pain or illness. While the above mentioned can be signs of pain or illness, assess the situation in which they are occuring. Has the dog been normal otherwise? If you are unsure whether your dog is exhibiting these signs due to illness and pain, or fear and anxiety, contact your veterinary professional for advice.
Once you have identified your dogs behaviour to be associated with thunderstorms or fireworks consider the following; make sure you do not punish your dog if they are anxious or scared as it will just exacerbate the problem, do not make a fuss or try to reassure your pet excessively as it will encourage these behaviors during future storms.
Try the following techniques to help your dog through a thunderstorm or fireworks:
Train your dog to relax in a specific area. The goal is to get your dog to associate their “go to” area with something positive and calming. Command them to “sit” or “lay down” at their area. Always reward their obedience to these commands with a treat, toy or affection. Use their petbed for example, as an area where they are trained to “go to” during times other than storms or fireworks. This way your dog will not associate the area with strictly storms or fireworks. As well, the petbed may be moved to a quieter place during these stimuli and can be used when travelling.
If your dog is responding to your commands, carry on with distractions from the stimulus. Play, affection and treats are all welcome as long as the dog remains calm. If your dog is not responding, you must ignore the anxious behaviour. Do not reward fear or anxiety.
Sometimes dogs that are extremely fearful or phobic will not respond to your efforts to calming them in their safe area. If this is the case, place your dog in a windowless room. If the dog will not follow you, calmly lead them to the room by their leash. If your dog is already hiding do not try to remove them from their spot as this may evoke an aggressive response. Have their favorite toy or treat ready. Play music to drown out any noise stimuli.
In very extreme cases where you are worried about your pets safety or your efforts are not helping, talk to your veterinarian about desensitization and counter conditioning techniques. These along with medications to help manage your dogs symptoms during times of fear and anxiety may be necessary.
Author’s Note: At the Emergency Hospital we receive numerous phone calls on nights of firework displays of owners inquiring about lost pets, as they have run away during the fireworks display. The bright lights and loud noises scare even the most well-trained dogs. Your dog will be safer left at home while you enjoy the festivities.
