I am petrified of loud noises, like thunder and fireworks. Is there anything I can do to calm my nerves when I hear them?
From Tommy in Wake Forest
Dear Riley,
You’re not alone! This is very common among the canine community. It’s not breed specific and varies in intensity from dog to dog. My brother, Prince, who’s a border collie, gets all stressed out during storms. Needless to say, the 4th of July is his least favorite time of year. My sister and I don’t mind so much. Prince gets all quiet and his ears stick straight up. His eyes get all big, and he becomes very alert and sensitive. Sometimes he barks at the noises, as if that’s going to help. Usually, he runs upstairs to the bedroom, his favorite place in the house, and waits out the storm/noises. We have a lot of friends who don’t handle it as well as he does. For some, their anxiety can put their safety and health (emotional as well as physical) at risk. For you and them, I have these tips:
1. Find a nice cozy spot where you feel safest and ride out the storms, like Prince.
Some of our friends hide in closets, bathrooms/bathtubs, or under beds.
2. Don’t go to your Mom or Dad for reassurance and comfort. They’re going to worry
about you and stress you out even more. Otherwise, they’ll give you the wrong kind of attention, trying to comfort you. Instead, it will confuse you and validate your fears.
3. Ask your Mom or Dad to buy you a Thundershirt. These fashionable sweaters
have worked for a lot of our friends at All Breed Care. They are super soft, yet tight
and snug. Wearing one can help take the edge off. You can find them at your local
pet store, like Gourmutt’s Bakery. You can also find them online. They really work!
4. Try to keep your mind busy with other stuff, like go get some treats, or ask your
other pack members to play your favorite game with you. Keeping your mind active
and distracted can help a lot.
5. Sometimes, you can take over the counter medication like “Rescue Remedy” or
Calm Down.” They don’t always work and really all they do is make you drowsy. If
you like a good buzz on, and you are not a belligerent drunk, I recommend you try it.
6. Ask your vet for prescription medication or other medical suggestions that can help
with those difficult times. Be careful with these, however. You don’t want to end up on “Animal Interventions” or “Crack Dog Hoarders.”
Ask your Mom and Dad to read this article.
Good Luck and hope you have a safe 4th of July!
Sincerely,
Fenway "Pachoo" Hodjat, K9phd
ABC Advice Columnist
