Keeping dogs calm through the storm
PET BULLETIN
‘Mews and Yips’ from the Central Aroostook Humane Society
By Christine Cowett-Robinson
President of the Central Aroostook Humane Society Board of Directors.
Thunder keeps my poor dog Tommy under the bed. One clap is all that it takes for Tommy to run for the house and find a dark place where he can ride out the storm.
He came to me this way; I have no idea why. It is not unusual for dogs to be scared of loud noises. Thunderstorms are not an everyday occurrence, so dogs do not get used to the sound. In mild cases of thunderstorm phobia your dog might pace, quiver, and hide. In more severe cases though, he may urinate in the home, chew and scratch on furniture, or even break walls and windows. Here are some ideas to help your dog prepare for the next storm:
- Condition or desensitize your dog by playing a CD of a storm, when the dog is relaxed, and reward him. Next time make it louder until your dog can remain relaxed with the sound of the storm at a high level.
- Music therapy is another way to get your dog to relax during a storm; soothing music can help your dog by reducing his anxiety level.
- Talk to your veterinarian about a prescription medication for extreme cases.
- Crate training may also help your dog by providing him with a safe place to be during the storm. Consider placing the crate in an interior room where the storm will not seem so loud. This is equivalent to a dog being in a den, not used for punishment
I first realized Tommy’s phobia the second night he was with me. I awoke to a 50-pound dog sitting in the middle of my chest panting and drooling on me. He has since gotten a little better; now he seeks out a hiding place such as under a bed, in a closet or in my bathroom that has no windows. Be sensitive to your dog’s needs but be careful not to reward him for being scared.
Update on our handsome boy Justice: Justice is doing well, gaining weight and getting tons of love and attention. When he arrived emaciated and abandoned in our play yard, we took him for medical attention. His white blood cell count was very low and his liver function abnormal. He will be rechecked in three weeks, and if all is well he will be available for adoption.
Some things to remember: There is only one Justice and many people are interested. Posting on Facebook that you want this dog before you have even met him is rather silly. We appreciate that this dog pulled at your heartstrings, but you really need to come to the shelter and meet him. No animal gets adopted from the shelter without an application and an approval, so be sure to get that done before you fall in love.
Please remember that there are many other dogs in cages waiting to find their forever home. Take a look; you may find the forever friend you have been looking for.
If you are looking for a way to help the animals at the Central Aroostook Humane Society, we could use some: bleach, non-scoopable cat litter, blankets, towels, leashes, paper towels, collars and laundry detergent. We can also use your time as a volunteer, and of course donations made towards our spay/neuter fund.
If you are looking for a friend for life, please consider adopting from the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We are open from 10-4, Tuesday-Saturday, or give us a call at 764-3441. You can also visit us o line at centralaroostookhumanesociety.org
Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
