Bruschi's mom here: I wanted to know if any of the dogs out there suffer from thunderstorm anxiety? This morning we had a terrible storm roll through Central Florida around 4am and for the first time Bruschi displayed signs of thunderstorm anxiety, and it was so scary! As a puppy, storms never really phased him. But the past few weeks, if a storm would hit, he would whimper, whine, pace around the house and bark back at the thunder claps. nothing too major. Well this morning he was trembling so bad, the entire bed was shaking. He was panting harder and faster than I've ever seen him pant, and as a result was excessively drooling. This went on for 45 straight minutes. We could not get him to stop shaking or panting. I tried to distract him, give him water, hide him under the covers, but he would not budge. As a puggle mom, lol, it was so hard for me to sit there and feel so helpless and not know how to help him! Once the storm came and went, he calmed down for about a half an hour, until the next storm hit, and it was the same response all over again! Does any other pups out there experience this? If so, what do you find works? I have read a few articles this morning online that mention anti-anxiety drugs, an anxiety wrap, relaxation techniques, distraction, etc.
Any input would be greatly appreciated! I don't want Bruschi to suffer like that again. Here in Florida, we are now in hurricane season, and have thunderstorms every afternoon! This could be very taxing on his health, especially since I am not home with him during the day!
Any input would be greatly appreciated! I don't want Bruschi to suffer like that again. Here in Florida, we are now in hurricane season, and have thunderstorms every afternoon! This could be very taxing on his health, especially since I am not home with him during the day!
10 comments:
Awwwww, poor Bruschi!!! When I was a baby my mom was afraid I'd be a-scared from thunder too so everytime it rained she played with me, or threw balls in the house, or even hid treats for me to find. I was never afraid because thunder and rain always meant fun and cookies!!! Now, everytime it rains I run and get my balls and throw them at my mom so we can play fetch!!! She thinks I'm funny.
Wiggles,
Brind'Amour
Poor Bruschi!
A friend of mine owns an online dog store, 4weebeasties (the link is on my sidebar) and they have these anxiety wraps that help storm anxiety, as well as some other products! Maybe that will help?
Sophie, Dixie, and Harles
Awwww! I feel so bad for you. I have the same problem with the fireworks start. It is terrible. Human Granny just holds me close in a blanket and tells me it's going to be o.k. I just hope your storm season doesn't last too long.
Licks & Wags, Ariel <3
Hi Bruschi,
Sorry you are so stressed by the thunderstorms. Me and Banjo don't pay the noise and flashing light any notice. But mom says she once had a Golden/Labrador mix that became afraid of storms as she got older. The reason for the change is unknown and mom never found anything that helped ease her fear of storms. Sorry we are not much help.
Wags & wiggles,
Bijou
Hi Bruschi,
Sugar here to let you know that we got Banjo's tie over at Petco. We got his at the store, but it looks like you can buy them online too!
http://www.petco.com/product/109092/PETCO-Wag-a-tude-American-Abril-Dog-Necktie.aspx?CoreCat=OnSiteSearch
xo sugar
aww..Bruschi, we are so sorry to hear that you have storm anxiety. It is puzzling why this started all of sudden. The storms dont scare me much but according to Grandpa, my doggie uncle (a german shepard) has storm anxiety BIG time! In fact, he broke Grandpa's door when trying to get in the house last month. He stopped trembling once he hid under the chair. Maybe your mommy can find you a dog house to hide?
Extra kisses,
Preston
poor brushci! my buddy luke has a hard time with storms - you might talk to his mom www.goldenboyluke.blogspot.com I don't have a terrible problem but if the thunder rolls I don't like it - we just came from the vet where there was a doggie who is having stress with all the storms around lately - she is 8 and never had problems before - Mom is wondering if there is some new static in these storms affecting doggies who have never been affected before - nothing to base this on - There are some lavendar flavored antistress thingys that my obedience trainer swears by - I'm laid back so don't need them - ALSO, mom is a big believer in essential oils and recommends that you try a PURE Lavender essential oil on Bruschi's paws - Be sure you ONLY get a pure oil - Young Living is a good choice if you can find it
poor guy! mr. puggle doesn't do that. he is skittish around the thunder or other loud noises ie fireworks. sorry bruschi boy freaked out. :(
maybe have an extra special bone (is he vegan?) and whip it out during the next storm to pre occupy him?
One of the dogs that Duke plays with has wicked LOUD NOISE anxiety (Thunder, fireworks, TV... etc) and his owner had to take him to the vet for anti-anxiety drugs. They really mellow him out during the storms.
hey bruschi - just checking to see if you're a little less stressed these days....did your mom check on those lavendar treats?
Post a Comment