My dog Tegan was VERY freaked by the Thunderstorm this evening. Not at first, but when it got close he ran upstairs (wouldn’t eat dinner) and sat in the bathroom trembling. I just took him out when the thunderstorm (and rain) ended but he was very difficult to handle, I did get him to pee but he kept trying to get back to the house. I recommend taking them out separately for a quick walk close by if there have been thunderstorms and he seems uneasy. Poor guy, this is my first experience with a dog that is frightened of T-storms.
Michelle
Rescue Remedy from Spirit Essences was made for humans, but Spirit Essences are made specifically for animals based on the same Bach flower essences. (there is also a 5% discount for my listeners – my website explains)
STRESS STOPPER is the one for thunderstorms – it is fantastic – give several drops on the tongue and rub inside ears and on the paw pads themselves – can repeat as often as needed.
You can also buy an Anxiety Wrap – a neoprene wrap-around blanket that velcros into place around the dog’s middle. Listen to the podcast of my recent interview with Temple Grandin on DOG TALK® (downloadable off my website) during which I asked her about thunderstorm phobia. She said swaddling the dog, or wrapping anything wide around the torso and holding it snugly in place – can help with fear. At the least, press your hands on either side of the rib cage.
DO NOT take the dog outside – worst place possible. Find an indoor space (walk in closet, bathroom) with no exterior walls) and let your dog huddle in there. Tranquilizers not recommended because they do not address the underlying fear.
The Dog Bible has a list of suggestions about this phobia.
It will transfer to the other dogs so get a grip on it ASAP.
Tracie
The Dog Bible
Tracie,
I tried Spirit Essences and must tell you had a positive response. I have a Pembroke Corgi competing in agility and splash dog. He already had the title of world recorder holder by breed for splash dog with a jump of 10 feet 1 inches. On April 17 and 19th we went to splash dog and used “stress stopper” and “performance”. He broke his own record on the 17th by one entire foot jumping 11 feet 1 inch. On the 19th he broke that record and jumped 11 feet 5 inches. AMAZING for a dog with six inch legs. As far as agility, his first time using spirt essences he had two qualifing runs with record time. See video on his blog: http://www.sirjackofcardington.blogspot.com. I also used sprit essesnces on my rescued Pembroke Corgi, Tucker. I use “stress stopper” and “training” just before we go to training classes. Big difference in attitude and confidence. I am impressed.
Kim Lacey, Lake Elsinore, CA
This SOOO cool! It truly makes me happy when something I believe in and cheerlead about is as beneficial to others as it has been for me. Thank you so much for taking the time to let us all know. And the video is amazing too! Corgis rock, and yours most especially! I am going to invite you on DOG TALK to brag aobut these little guys.