Nobody really knows why some dogs are frightened of fireworks and thunderstorms and do not seem to bother other dogs. Can be connected to a dog sense ear or thyroid levels. Or it may be connected to the socialization and overall levels of anxiety. Sometimes a contrast Happy-Go-Lucky would become almost hysterical with fear at the sound of thunder. If you have a dog with one of these phobias can be both surprising and frustrating.
Indeed, there is a difference between be afraid of fireworks and being afraid of storms, although the two are similar. Both involve loud sounds booming, and some dogs are afraid of both. If your dog is afraid of fireworks, then it is likely that the fear of loud noises. You can hide or try to climb on his lap, even if a very large dog. You can drool, pants or shake. Tremor is common. Dogs often about going to a safe place to try to escape the noise.
If your dog is afraid of storms that could be compensated by more than the sound of thunder. There is a theory that dogs that are afraid of thunderstorms are bothered by the accumulation electricity in the atmosphere. This is the same electricity that causes static electricity to build a shelter dog. Your dog can tell when a storm is approaching long before you hear thunder or a flash of lightning and can begin to show their fear. The signs of storm phobia are similar to fireworks phobia: your dog may try to hide or climb on his lap. He may pant, drool and start shaking. He can try to find a safe place. Some dogs will try to climb into a cozy place, like a bathtub. The smooth parts of a bath will help dispel some of the charges of electricity to sit on your skin and give them some comfort.
If your dog is reacting fireworks or storms are some things you can do to help them relax. Some people like to try herbal remedies for their dogs. Valerian and Scullcap have been used successfully for these phobias. Other people have used diluted essential oils such as peppermint oil in your dog's paws and pulse points. Flower Essences as Rescue Remedy are also popular.
Please remember that herbal remedies can still be dangerous. Just because something is "natural" not mean it is safe. Many poisons come from plants, which are also natural. You should consult your veterinarian before using any herbal medicine.
If you are using a herbal remedy which should allow enough time to work. Sometimes that is not possible with fireworks or a storm sudden unexpected so these methods have limited effectiveness over time.
If your dog has a serious problem and you need something that works quickly you should consult with your veterinarian ahead of time. You can prescribe a mild sedative for your dog in an emergency.
For dogs with storm phobias also have a garment that can be used that has helped some dogs. It is called Cape StormDefender. This place, like the coat fits around your dog and isolated from the electric charge accumulation in the atmosphere. It can reduce some of the anxiety associated with storms. Your dog can still react to the sound of thunder, but the layer can help.
You can make the version of their own house in this garment, wrapping your dog in a snug-fitting tube top human. A high tube can hold about your dog's skin and your body help prevent the buildup of static charge.
To help your dog in the long run can try to help desensitize him to loud sounds that bothers you so much. Some people have tried to record storms and fireworks boom in cassette and play with them for their dogs. You can increase the volume until playing at full volume. This has helped some dogs to become better tolerate fireworks and thunderstorms.
This can also help make the television or music during thunderstorms and fireworks to try to drown out the noise. Do things to distract your dog. Try playing with him before he has knowledge that external noise. Do anything to keep his mind off the things you fear.
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