Helping dogs afraid of thunderstorms and fireworks!

If your dog is afraid of thunderstorms, fireworks and other big booms, there really is hope.

Here are some fast facts and tips:

1. Many times it's the loud noise that creates anxiety in dogs from thunder strikes or fireworks booms. It's important for you as a dog owner to remain calm in these situations. Here's what we do: When thunderstrikes come up, or fireworks start going off, Mum makes these loud booms a game! At the first big boom, Mum says, "wow, that was a big one!' in a fun, friendly, energetic voice. That's when we immediately come to her, and she clicks and treats for our attention! That's also how Mum taught our kittie bros to not be scared too!

2. Sometimes it's the change in barometric pressure that dogs can feel that begins to create anxiety in dogs when a storm approaches. This is another great time to play some games with your dog! Maybe it's doing some simple training games, like sit, down....give a dog a job and they will work for their treats, Mum always says. This can take your dog's mind off the approaching storm and concentrate on doing some fun tricks.

3. Some dog lovers have had a lot of success with sound desensitization recordings. These are recordings of thunder and fireworks that you can purchase (see our resources below). We would recommend creating a safe place for your dog, somewhere near a wall in an often used room, like your family room. Place a mat on the floor and teach your dog to go to their mat, making it a really fun game of sitting, downing and doing other tricks on the mat. When they are loving and feeling very comfortable on the mat, that's when you gradually begin introducing these sounds via the recordings. Very low volume at first, and then progressively working to increase the volume as your dog becomes more and more comfortable doing tricks and going to their mat.

4. There are new products on the market that are really helping dogs cope with thunderstorms and fireworks. One of our favorites is the Thundershirt. The Thundershirt is an anxiety wrap for dogs that gives them a gentle, snug hug during times of anxiety, that has proven in well over 85% of dogs to calm them during stressful times like thunderstorms and fireworks. Check out the video below to see the Thundershirt in action.

Another wrap on the market is the The Anxiety Wrap for dogs, that may be a good choice for you and your dog.

5. There are also homeopathic remedies on the market now that seem to help some dogs cope during these stressful events. The most popular is the HomeoPet Storm Stress for Pets homeopatic remedy, and the Pet Essences Thunder Storms Flower Essences, a flower essence that has been successful in helping some dogs cope. Both are natural remedies and great alternative to drugs.

These are just a few basics to help your dog copy with thunderphobia, fireworks anxiety and other loud noises. We are adding some links below of other sites that have valuable information that we recommend you read!

When all else fails...

When you've tried everything, and all else fails, we highly recommend you consult a professional, including a great trainer (we like trainers that have studied under Karen Pryor); and/or a good holistic veterinarian (you can search for one here).

One big, big safety tip:

If you believe that thunderstorms may be approaching, or fireworks may be going off around your area, please leash your dog when you go with them outside to do their business or other reasons; even if you have a fenced in yard. I have several buds that have jumped their backyard fence during these stressful times and have gotten needlessly lost. Be safe, K?

Photo courtesy of ttarasuik on Flickr.

Be sure and visit my website - JohannTheDog.com - where you can shop for cool stuff for cool dogs!

We've put together, in one place, all the cool stuff you need for your dog! You can find dog beds, all natural foods and treats, collars, leashes, charms, training and agility gear, vitamins and supplements, books, clothing, toys and more!

And the best part is we donate 10% of our profits to dog rescues and shelters!