ArcaMax

Dear Cathy,

My daughter's dog is a 12-year-old Border Collie/Aussie mix. He's the best dog, except when it comes to thunderstorms, or even gentle rain. When she's home, he will stand shaking with his head down. With thunder, he'll find someplace to hide, but if she's not home, he becomes destructive, even to the point of clawing the hose from the toilet to the wall. And it seems to be getting worse as he ages.

Thundershirts® haven't helped. When she knows a storm is coming, she gives him a prescription sedative, but even that is not working as well as it used to. She has tried crating him, but he bent the metal rods trying to escape and she's afraid of him damaging his teeth. She does what she can when she's home with him, but storms have a way of popping up when she is not home. Any suggestions on how we can further help this poor dog? It's hard to see him so terrified, and she has a lot of damage to constantly repair.

— Mary, Lorena, Texas

Dear Mary,

What you’ve described isn’t mild fear, it’s full-on panic. Shaking, hiding, destruction, even clawing at plumbing – these are all signs of a dog in deep distress. Thunderstorms and fireworks don’t just startle him – they override his sense of safety and self-control.

Sadly, he’s not alone. Many dogs suffer from noise phobias, and this time of year – between summer thunderstorms and Fourth of July fireworks – can be especially tough for them – and their families.

It’s clear your daughter has worked hard to help, using anxiety wraps, sedatives, and even a crate. But for dogs with extreme sensitivity, these strategies often aren’t enough. Sometimes you have to implement several strategies at the same time to have any effect.

At this point, I recommend revisiting the medication plan with her veterinarian. Some dogs with severe phobias may need daily anti-anxiety medication during storm and fireworks season – not just something “as needed.” It’s not about knocking him out; it’s about helping his nervous system stay regulated. The vet may also recommend pairing long-term medication with a fast-acting option for when storms are predicted.

Some dogs also benefit from calming supplements like melatonin or L-theanine, or natural products like Rescue Remedy® in the water bowl. Calming chews, canine pheromone diffusers, and other over-the-counter products can play a helpful supporting role. Be sure your daughter shares everything she’s using and doing with her vet, so he/she has the full picture and can balance this appropriately for the dog.

Creating a safe, quiet space can also help. Walk-in closets or interior bathrooms work well, especially when softened with clothes or blankets and buffered with white noise. Since he has damaged plumbing before, I would avoid bathrooms and opt for a large, walk-in closet, if possible. Just make sure shoes and purses are stored out of reach. Music, fans, or even a loud movie can also help mask outside noise.

If he finds comfort in company, she might consider asking a friend to stay with him or hiring a pet sitter when storms are expected and she can’t be home. (A quick note to your daughter and other readers: please only use a large walk-in closet. And always test it while you’re home to make sure your dog doesn’t panic even more in that space. One of my dogs found comfort nestled in the soft clothes of my closet, but my other noisephobic dog panicked and scratched to get out. Every dog is different.)

Since storms can pop up unexpectedly, planning ahead is key. Set weather alerts, close blinds and curtains, administer medication early, and prep his safe space before the sky rumbles. Also, make sure her dog has up-to-date ID tags and a microchip. In a blind panic, even the most well-behaved dog (or cat) can bolt.

And let’s not forget about cats. They may hide more quietly, but fireworks and storms can stress them out, too. Cat owners should provide cozy hiding spots – under the bed, in closets, or inside a covered cat bed – and consider calming treats and feline pheromone diffusers to ease their nerves.

Most importantly, she should talk reassuringly to her dog. Her calm presence, when possible, really does make a difference.

Your daughter is doing everything she can for her sweet dog, and her love and effort are clear. With continued support from her vet and the right combination of strategies, there’s hope she’ll be able to ease his anxiety.

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(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to cathy@petpundit.com. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal.)

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