A Port In the Storm

Dear Dog Lady,

My dog, Rex, is eight years old. About three years ago, we had a bad thunderstorm and lightning struck a tree near our house. Now, the dog digs, bites, claws to get out of the yard when a storm is approaching. I have replaced the fence twice. The only time he calms down is in the house or the garage. Is there anything else I can do?

Michael, Houston, TX

We have a 13 year old Sheltie, Millie, who was eight years old when we got her from Sheltie Rescue of Georgia. She has panic attacks when it storms. She has gotten better over the years, but even with drugs from the vet and sleeping with her on the floor, nothing helps. Do you have any help to offer?

Paul, Atlanta, GA

Drifter is 12 years old and for the last six years or so, she has been very afraid of thunder. I've tried consoling her and then acting as if nothing is wrong. Neither method works. I don't like seeing her so scared. I've had her since she was five weeks old and have only been away from her once for a week about three years ago.

Buddy, Houston, TX

Houston, we have a problem. Too many dogs are scaredy-cats in thunderstorms and they're not afraid to show it.

What’s to be done for these fretful creatures? Hug them close. Crack open the peanut butter and dole out “a spoonful for you, a spoonful for me.” Initiate a wild game of “chase the tennis ball’’ in the basement.

I don't mean to be flip but each case of animal anxiety is different. The single underlying thread in all stories of dog phobias and fears is that the dogs sense the humans have lost confidence and control, which means only God's dog isn't scared in thunderstorms.

Dog Lady puts her lips together and tries to whistle the Rodgers and Hammerstein tune from “The King and I,” the anthem for all keepers of spooked dogs during a thunderstorm:

"Whenever I feel afraid
I hold my head erect
And whistle a happy tune
So no one will suspect
I'm afraid

While shivering in my shoes
I strike a careless pose
And whistle a happy tune
And no one ever knows I'm afraid

The result of this deception
Is very strange to tell
For when I fool the people I fear
I fool myself as well.’’
("Whistle A Happy Tune," music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein)

You must fool your dog into thinking that you are the same unflappable Alpha during a thunderstorm, fireworks barrage, giant fly buzzing around the house, or in any crisis that can precipitate dog anxiety attacks. Only when you have your dog’s complete confidence and trust will you be able to soothe the savage beast.

Dog Lady is not a vet, nor does she play one on the Internet. She cannot prescribe pup Prozac, although medication is the remedy for some dogs who have medically invasive jitters. In his book, “The Dog Who Loved Too Much: Tales, Treatment and the Psychology of Dogs" (Bantam), Dr. Nicholas Dodman describes one dog who was so rattled by thunderstorms that the German Shepherd ground his nails down to bloody stumps by pawing frantically on the concrete floor in the basement. The severely stressed dog needed immediate medical intervention. If you think your dog’s storm distress is so great that the condition is dangerous to the dog or to humans, please seek out your veterinarian.

If you want to support your scaredy-cat through a thunderstorm without the use of chemicals, you must be vigilant about remaining in charge. Don't hover, but confidently distract your dog. Do “sit/stay” exercises. Have treats handy to reward calm behavior (Dog Lady can't say enough about the persuasive powers of freeze-dried liver chunks). Play tug games with chew toys or toss around your dog's favorite ball or stick. Whistle a happy tune. Whistle it again.

Soon, the crisis will have passed. The thunder will be a distant rumble, moving off down the valley to frighten other dogs and humans. You and your pet will have helped each other weather another storm. When the sun breaks through, grab the leash and go outside for a relaxing ramble in the freshly ozoned air. Let that post-trauma walk become a ritual for you and your dog. You both will learn to look forward to it.

Posted by Dog Lady at July 6, 2003 04:35 PM