Thunderstorm phobia in dogs is real; trembling, howling, crying, running away, and even self-harm are some of the resulting behaviors. Veterinarians aren’t yet aware of each and every trigger for thunderstorm anxiety, but the noise caused by thunder and other strange noises caused by the wind are the most obvious answer… But research shows that dogs are set off by something less prominent.
Researchers and Veterinarians suspect that the combination of barometric pressure changes, static electricity, and low frequency rumbles preceding a storm (that humans can’t hear), are some of the scariest aspects of a thunderstorm for dogs.
Simply put, many dogs are afraid because they just don’t understand what is happening. They perceive it as threatening, and with no real outlet for escaping the threat – they turn to unpredictable, often heartbreaking to watch, anxiety attacks that could potentially end in a stressed out, injured, or medicated animal.
To start addressing this issue, it’s important to learn the symptoms of noise phobias in your dog:
- Tail Tucking
- Licking
- Yawning
- Hiding
- Howling, barking, or whining
- Trembling
- Pacing
- Rapid breathing
- Breathing with mouth open
- Excessive drooling
- Chewing
- Destruction
- Digging at walls, carpet, etc.
If you notice any of these behaviors accompanied to loud noises such as thunder, noises on television, door knocking, or even music, you may want to keep reading as it will greatly benefit your dog’s comfort level and wellbeing!
Let’s talk management—how you can help your dog:
Many pet owners will immediately resort to medication, as it is one of the fastest and most effective methods to soothe anxiety; and we all want our pets to feel better immediately. But this isn’t the best option to go to first as these medications can have harsh side effects.
Many times, with a more holistic approach, there will be less (or no) side effects. Take for example, something less invasive and more natural, like anti-anxiety vests. The most commonly prescribed medications for anxiety in dogs are actually shown to increase their sensitivity to noise. So why do we keep prescribing the same medications, without even trying alternative methods first? Medications may be guaranteed to help right away, but they’re also likely to harm in the long term; unlike natural, alternative methods.
You may have heard of the anti-anxiety vest, AKA the Thundershirt. It’s a fabulous product to help reduce anxiety in your dog. The idea behind anti-anxiety vests is to apply gentle pressure around the dog’s chest area—similar to that of a hug. When applied constantly, the pressure has been proven to reduce many types of anxiety, fear, and excitement problems.
While the method of the Thundershirt was proven extremely successful in studies and in Veterinarian surveys, there is untapped potential in the therapy.
For years, pet owners have been using far-infrared emitting blankets and gear for their pets to promote blood circulation and increase mobility—but what they also found is that it can also help promote mood relaxation and better behavior in animals. The science behind far-infrared emitting products is in our technical fabrics—infused throughout each product are 30 lead-free minerals that emit far infrared wavelengths that penetrate down to the deep tissue level to dilate capillaries and increase blood circulation. The products have been proven to provide several benefits like pain relief, relaxation, and increased mobility.
After years of research and testing, Benefab® developed their far-infrared emitting Canine Comfort & Care Shirt for animals in a range of sizes to assure the best swaddle for any size dog, and even most cats (XS size).
The Benefab® Therapeutic Comfort & Care Shirt is designed to reduce anxiety, but ALSO promote blood circulation, which aids in reducing pain and stiffness—a DOUBLE WIN. Not only can anxious, aggressive, and excited dogs benefit from this product, but also elderly, athletic, and injured dogs.
- Promote blood circulation
- Reduce anxiety
- Soothe soreness
- Supple muscles, tendons, and ligaments
- Increase mobility
- Rehabilitate from injury faster
- 100% Natural and Safe to use
