Trembles for thunder

When prairie storms start to brew, happy-go-lucky little Jessie starts to tremble.

Unfortunately being scared of thunder is quite common. This fear ranges from trembling slightly to hiding behind furniture to needing to chew their way out and run away – anywhere! It can start small then worsen over time – and it can also ease off with age often with the onset of deafness.

Different levels of fear need different responses. For some, it may be as simple as confining your dog in a safe place like their kennel with a favourite toy. For more serious cases, some use alternative remedies available at health-food stores, and yet others use Gravol or prescription medications (puppy prozac like substances).

If your dog is terrified of thunder, resist the urge to pacify by giving affection – you’ll only reinforce the timid behaviour. (If you watch Dog Whisperer, Cesar consistently talks about reinforcing a calm state of mind.)

If your dog’s fear is extreme – medical attention may be in order. Talk with your veterinarian about an appropriate solution. Because doggie dosages are way different than human dosages, please don’t self-medicate without talking with your vet.