Fear of Thunder or Fireworks

If your dog is fearful of storms with thunder, lightning, hail, or high winds, you’re not alone. There are no statistics on the numbers of pets with storm phobia--or to give the fear its scientific name, astraphobia--but it’s likely that the prevalence of this type of noise sensitivity in dogs is 20 percent or higher, says Pamela Perry, DVM, a behavior resident at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca, New York.

Most of us, including our pets, startle when we hear loud noises unexpectedly, especially if accompanied by a bolt of lightning or torrential rain. The typical response is to recover quickly from being startled, but some dogs (and humans) have a genetic predisposition to anxiety or fear.

“There’s something about their makeup that makes their thresholds for developing this, or their ability to recover, lower than that of other animals,” says Lore Haug, DVM, a veterinary behaviorist who practices at Texas Veterinary Behavior Services in Sugar Land.

Dogs can develop storm phobias through lack of habituation, genetics, and sensitization. For instance, puppies who grow up in California, where thunderstorms are rare, and later in life move to Florida, arguably the thunderstorm capital of the United States, are not habituated to the sound, smell, and flashing lightning of thunderstorms. Combine that with a possible hereditary predisposition to fear or anxiety (especially common in some hunting and herding breeds), and you have a thunderstorm phobia in the making.

Thunderstorm phobias can also develop from a single traumatic incident, such as being home alone or outdoors when a storm hits. Trauma can be compounded if the dog is genetically predisposed to being fearful.

More commonly, though, dogs become what’s called sensitized to storms. They may show little reaction at first, maybe trembling when a storm occurs but nothing more obvious. When thunderstorm season—which typically runs between May and October, depending on the region—is over, they relax. Then the next storm season rolls around, and the fear recurs, becoming greater. Over time, fear develops through repeated exposure to thunderstorms, which are unpredictable and impossible to escape.

“That fear response becomes classically conditioned,” says veterinary behaviorist Lisa Radosta, who practices at Florida Veterinary Behavior Service in West Palm Beach. “Maybe the first storm isn’t traumatic, but over time the fear response becomes triggered by elements of the storm. That is probably one of the reasons why most animals are presented to us in middle age for this problem.”

The good news is that your dog doesn’t have to suffer during thunderstorms, or at least not so much. There’s a lot you can do, with the help of your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist, to help manage his fear and provide him with ways to relax. In part two of this post, we’ll explore how to do that.

This article was reviewed/edited by board-certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Kenneth Martin and/or veterinary technician specialist in behavior Debbie Martin, LVT.

Kim Campbell Thornton is content manager for Fear Free Pets and is an Elite Fear Free Certified Professional. She has been writing about dogs, cats, wildlife, and marine life since 1985 and is a recipient of multiple awards from the Cat Writers Association, Dog Writers Association of America, and American Society of Journalists and Authors. When she’s not writing or editing, she’s competing in nose work trials with Harper and Keeper, her Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

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When thunderstorms strike, does your cat run and hide under the bed or in the closet? Maybe you notice that she just disappears and you don’t think much about it? Dogs earn the greatest amount of recognition when it comes to fear of thunderstorms because their reactions are more visible: they tremble, pace, hide, try to escape, house soil, or become disruptive or destructive. We know they’re scared. But cats, too, can be fearful of the atmospheric light and sound shows, reacting to pressure changes, loud wind and rain, and electrical discharges. “It’s suspected that there are probably more cats bothered by thunderstorms than we realize,” says Debra Horwitz, DVM, DACVB, who practices in St. Louis, Missouri. “They go somewhere they feel safe until the thunderstorm's over, and since they aren't bothering the owner in any particular way, they don't notice it.” Is that a problem if all cats do in response is hide under the bed? It depends on the severity of the response. If your cat is walking around and during a thunderstorm decides to sit next to you but isn't trembling or panting, and as soon as the storm's over he jumps off and does his other stuff, everything may be okay. If your cat goes under the bed in the midst of a window-rattling thunder and lightning storm that makes even you jump, that may be a normal response, not a maladaptive one. Pay attention to how long it takes for your cat to return to normal after a storm. Anxiety and transitory fear aren’t necessarily a problem if your cat bounces back to normal in a relatively short amount of time, Dr. Horwitz says. But it’s not normal for a cat to spend a lot of time hiding. “If any animal during a thunderstorm were to decide ‘I feel better in your closet or under the bed’ and when the thunderstorm’s gone they come out [with the attitude] ‘Great, I’m better, that was kind of scary, but I’m over it,’ I would say that’s fine,” Dr. Horwitz says. “If there are thunderstorms in the area and your cat goes under the bed at 8 in the morning and will not come out to eat or use the litter box, even though it’s not storming specifically where you are, that might be maladaptive.” Cats who seem excessively fearful of thunderstorms can benefit from some of the same tactics and treatments that help dogs. Veterinary behaviorist Lore Haug, who practices in Sugar Land, Texas, suggests setting up a safe area that is windowless or dark and running a white noise machine or playing music specifically composed to be calming to cats. Good choices include closets, basements, and bathrooms. She also encourages owners to learn some relaxation training techniques that they can do with their cats. Teach your cat to come when called. In the event of a thunderstorm, tornado, or hurricane, being able to call her and take her to her safe place can prevent a lot of kitty angst. Natural supplements such as Anxitane, Solliquin, and Zylkene may help as well. They contain ingredients such as l-theanine, milk proteins and other substances that have calming properties but won’t sedate your pet. Start giving the supplement a couple of days before storms start, if possible, following dosage recommendations on the label. You can also give one if a storm comes up unexpectedly. If it works, you may notice that your cat starts to respond less fearfully to storms. You may also want to ask your veterinarian about foods that contain calming ingredients such as L-tryptophan, B vitamins, and hydrolyzed casein. Cats may respond to a feline pheromone product. Feliway, an artificial version of a pheromone that cats produce to help themselves feel comfortable and secure, is available as a spray or wipe or can be disseminated with a diffuser. Dr. Horwitz recommends spraying the pheromone product in the cat’s safe area. Calming clothing such as Thundershirts, Storm Defender Capes and Anxiety Wraps can be used with cats, but be careful when putting them on or taking them off. They may have Velcro closures, which can make a loud noise when pulled apart, startling the cat. It’s also possible for the cat’s fur to get caught in the Velcro, making it painful to release him. And some cats respond to the gentle pressure the same way they do to harnesses: they act as if they’re paralyzed and refuse to move. Some cats love them, though, and calm down right away when wearing them. Be sure to put the item on before the storm starts. Some pets may even come and “ask” for it if a storm is in the offing. “The parameters I would look at would be does the cat spend a lot of time hiding, and is it interfering with the cat’s normal ability to function, not only for health and welfare—eating, drinking, elimination—but in response to interacting with everyone in the household,” Dr. Horwitz says. “If it does, you need intervention.” This article was reviewed/edited by board-certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Kenneth Martin and/or veterinary technician specialist in behavior Debbie Martin, LVT.

Kim Campbell Thornton is content manager for Fear Free Pets and is an Elite Fear Free Certified Professional. She has been writing about dogs, cats, wildlife, and marine life since 1985 and is a recipient of multiple awards from the Cat Writers Association, Dog Writers Association of America, and American Society of Journalists and Authors.

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Many pets are petrified of fireworks. And no wonder: no one tells our best friends that these incredibly loud and sudden and unexplained bangs are supposed to be a celebration, not an attack. For dogs and cats, becoming startled at sudden loud sounds can be a protective response. Who knows what could be making that noise! And canine and feline hearing is far more sensitive than our own. No wonder the bangs, booms, pops, and buzzes of fireworks can be downright scary to pets. Dogs tend to be more obviously affected by fireworks, but plenty of cats head under the bed when the blasts begin. Dogs shudder and shake, cover their ears, and refuse to go potty outside, and cats in hiding may avoid their litter boxes. Fortunately, you can take steps to make a considerable difference in their experience of Independence Day or other times that fireworks fly. That may be especially important this year, when fireworks sales are up, potentially making 2020’s Fourth of July celebrations an even bigger nightmare for pets.

Behavior Modification

If you start now, a training method referred to as desensitization and counterconditioning may help. And even if you don’t start soon enough for the coming celebrations, it may be helpful for New Year’s Eve or next year’s Fourth. Use sounds of fireworks, such as this YouTube video or any audio of fireworks. Begin by playing the sounds at a very low level, all while distracting the dog (or cat) with play or by offering high-value food or treats placed inside a toy. At first, the pet is far from the speakers, but ever so gradually move the pet closer and simultaneously pump up the volume. If the pet becomes concerned, you’ve gone too far too fast. Move the pet farther from the speakers or lower the volume.. The idea is twofold: First to help the pet feel more comfortable with the sounds of fireworks. And second to associate that once fearsome sound with something enjoyable, such as a special treat or a favorite toy. This method helps many dogs, although not all dogs, and it can take time. Be patient.

Pheromones, Nutraceuticals, Probiotics, CBD

If you know from previous experience that your dog is going to be anxious, ask your veterinarian about using some combination of the following products: For dogs, plug in an Adaptil diffuser, and for cats, a Feliway Classic diffuser. Each is a copy (analog) of naturally occurring pheromones to help each species to feel more comfortable in their own environments. Plug in those pheromone products now; don't wait until the actual holiday. They  can help to facilitate the desensitization and counterconditioning training described above. Any product or drug can be used in conjunction with pheromone therapy. Here are three nutraceuticals that are non-sedating but can help pets to relax: Zylkene: As their website says, helps pets to find their “zen.” Zylkene contains bovine-sourced hydrolyzed milk protein, an ingredient that has been shown to have calming properties. Like great-granny used to say, “If you’re upset, drink a glass of warm milk.” Great-granny was right. Solliquin: L-theanine, an amino acid found naturally in green tea, stimulates production of alpha brain waves, supporting relaxation and mental awareness. Zentrol: A formulation for natural stress management that has been shown to help reduce stress-related behaviors in as little as 60 minutes. The tablets contain novel natural ingredients such as Souroubea spp, containing betulinic acid, and Platanus spp. Calming Care is a probiotic from Purina ProPlan Veterinary Diets, which can be sprinkled on the dog’s food. A six-week supply of supplements contains a strain of beneficial bacteria known as BL999 that has been shown to help keep dogs calm during stressful situations such as separation. While available at Chewy.com and elsewhere online, ask your veterinarian before purchasing. CBD: Anecdotal reports suggest that CBD for pets may help to relieve anxiety. Well, maybe. There’s no published science regarding this – at least not yet. Also, not all CBD products are the same. Talk to your veterinarian.

Calmer Canine

A newer product that affects brain chemistry is called Calmer Canine. Created for dogs with separation anxiety, this device also helps dogs with anxiety regarding thunderstorms or car rides. The Calmer Canine fits like a halo above the dog’s head. The amygdala, the fight or flight center, is the area in the brain responsible for producing fear and emotional responses. An anxious brain is out of balance, not only hormonally, but also with overactive brain cells that produce harmful substances causing inflammation. Calmer Canine works by providing targeted pulsed electromagnetic field signals. These signals are invisible, sensation-free, and have no known adverse reactions.

Psychopharmaceutical Aids

If your pet’s terror level is high, with signs that include shaking, excessive salivation, incontinence, decreased appetite, or seeming “inconsolable,” contact your veterinarian and ask about SILEO (dexmedetomidine oromucosal gel). This oromucosal gel (which means it is applied to the pet’s gums) is targeted for noisy times such as fireworks or thunderstorms. It takes about 30 minutes to an hour for SILEO to take full effect, and effects typically last two to three hours. While SILEO is effective in most dogs and safe, it is still a drug (and is not labeled for cats). Speak with your veterinarian before using. Your veterinarian may also suggest other psychopharmaceutical options that aren’t mentioned here.

Easy to Implement and Worth a Try

For some dogs, what might work is to combine several products, such as pheromones with nutritional supplements – as well as old-fashioned “jollying.” Take your pet to the basement, an office, or the most secluded room in your home. The “jollying” part is about distracting your dog with play and treats. If your children routinely have fun with puppy, fireworks displays are a great time for games. Giving high-value treats in Kong toys or food puzzles can be an effective distraction as well. Of course, close the windows (to lessen the sounds) and pull down the shades. Turn on relaxing music or your favorite talk radio station. A Sound Beginning, icalmpet, or other sites (including many free online) have specially produced music to relax dogs and cats.

Wear It

Each of the following options has potentially calming effects and is something dogs can wear:

• Thundershirt: A vest that applies gentle, constant pressure, similar to swaddling an infant – originally created for dogs fearful of storms.
• Storm Defender: a cape with a special lining that surrounds your dog.
• Anxiety Wrap: uses acupressure and gentle, maintained pressure to help relieve stress and fear in dogs.

A Final Word

The old notion about consoling a terrified pet only serving to reinforce fear is not true. You can’t reinforce such a powerful emotion. In fact, some pets can be calmed just by us paying attention and using soothing words. Soothing our pets when they are fearful can help them feel more comfortable in the moment but kindness alone rarely solves the problem. Seek assistance from a reputable behavior specialist who utilizes Fear Free techniques. This article was reviewed/edited by board-certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Kenneth Martin and/or veterinary technician specialist in behavior Debbie Martin, LVT.

Steve Dale, CABC (certified animal behavior consultant), hosts two national pet radio shows and is on WGN Radio, Chicago. He’s a regular contributor/columnist for many publications, including CATSTER, Veterinary Practice News, and the Journal of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America. He’s appeared on dozens of TV shows, including Oprah, many Animal Planet Programs, and National Geographic Explorer. He has contributed to or authored many pet books and veterinary textbooks such as “The Cat: Clinical Medicine and Management” and co-edited Decoding Your Dog, by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. He speaks at conferences around the world. www.stevedale.tv.