Dog scared of thunder? Thunder shirt failed. What else can help?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

  Licensed Veterinary Technician

  Published on

  There are pheromone products and calming supplements that may decrease any anxiety. Products include the Adaptil collar or DAP plug in diffusers, Zylkene or other calming chews. Distraction with play, tasks or white noise machines can also help him through the storms. For severe cases, your veterinarian can prescribe Sileo or other medications to give before a storm. The link below leads to an article in the PetCoach Library that may provide more information. https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-products-for-pets-with-noise-anxiety/

  

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  Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

  Licensed Veterinary Technician

  Published on April 11th, 2017

  A pheromone product such as the Adaptil collar or DAP Diffuser may decrease anxiety. Distracting Bella with toys and play during storms may also help. Close all windows and doors tightly and turn on the radio or television. Contract your veterinarian to discuss using a sedative when necessary. In the US, there is a newer drug that can be used o treat noise aversion. It is called Sileo. I am unsure of its availability overseas. You can also ask your veterinarian bout this option.

  

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  Answered By Penelope Graben, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on June 25th, 2021

  Hello, Thunderstorm and noise phobias can be really frustrating in pets. Many animals benefit from anti-anxiety medications to help them cope through stormy nights. This would be something you would need to talk to your veterinarian about. A calming canine pheromone product called Adaptil may also be helpful. During the storm itself, you can try to drown out the noise of the storm with white noise or calming classical music, keep him away from any of the windows where he can see the lightning flashes, and- to an extent- let him do what he wants to cope through the storm. Some dogs like to go into a small room, like a closet or bathroom, or their kennel during storms. There is nothing wrong with them picking a comfortable spot and bringing them their favorite bedding or toys to the area may be helpful as well. If Choco wants to cuddle and stay with you the whole time, that is also fine. Remember to stay calm yourself, as Choco will feed off of your energy as well. For a long term solution, you can use audio recordings of rain or thunderstorms around the house at very soft volumes and short amounts of time while Choco receives treats and attention. The volume and duration of the recordings can be slowly increased over time as Choco learns stormy noises lead to happy things. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

  

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  Answered By Maria DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on June 18th, 2018

  Sometimes no matter what we do they have a very difficult time with thunderstorms. I would first try the thundershirt, second try curbing his attention to something else while it is happening and if neither helps I would talk with your vet about medication. There are great prescription medications that help a lot with thunderstorm anxiety. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

  

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