Hi! I need to find something for my dog's thunder phobia, I've tried everything from pressure jackets to pills, nothing works. Could anyone help me?
Keep track of the weather, and if a storm is predicted, make sure he gets lots of exercise before the storm comes in. Definitely try to close out the sights and sounds of the storm, as Deb mentioned, and try to make it a really fun time for him if he can engage with you. For example, if he's very food motivated, get his favorite treats and have him search for them (under a frisbee or cup, tucked away near you, etc). You could also try gently and slowly desensitizing him to the sound of thunder. IF he can tolerate it without getting stressed, play some thunder sounds, very softly at first, while doing something he enjoys (eating breakfast, playing tug-of-war, playing with other dogs, etc). This may not be appropriate if his anxiety is incredibly severe, but if he doesn't get too upset, then this could be helpful. Sometimes dogs respond differently to fake sounds than the real experience - the sound of thunder is only one variable of a thunder storm (there's also increased static electricity in the air, vibrations, light flashes, and so on), so playing just the sound may not be as stressful for him. Also, I read this "tip" once that rubbing dryer sheets on your dog's fur help reduce the static electricity on a dog's fur, but dryer sheets can be very irritating and potentially dangerous for pups (especially when they lick their fur), so do your research and be careful! I have never done this and wouldn't recommend it.
I also wouldn't recommend dryer sheets. It's true some dogs' storm phobia is due to discomfort caused by static. That's why you'll see dogs seek water (sink, tub, or drain) for grounding. If you've observed your dog doing so, you might consider a mylar-lined "storm cape" that reduces static charge.
Get youtube thunder sounds an feed him next to it.
Baby benadryl or melatonin. Google it to get details on how much should be given according to weight, also cautions if your dog has certain health conditions.
If indoors, the only thing I've found works is closing the blinds, playing classical music, and distraction with belly rubs.
This article seems like it could help:
[http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/11/10/overcoming-pet-thunderstorm-phobia.aspx (http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/...)]
Devote some training sessions with audio clips of thunder. Start with the volume low enough that your dog notices it, but not high enough that they go over threshold (pacing, panting, cowering, shaking, etc). Feed treats consistently while the sound plays, and stop feeding when the sound stops. Gradually increase the volume as your dog's tolerance to the sound increases. Change it up with different audio clips (though when using something new, always start with low volume again and build back up). During an actual storm keep the treats flowing. The higher value, the better.
For a dog who is too stressed to take treats, even with audio clips at the lowest of volumes, your vet can prescribe medications which can help take the edge off for training sessions. Medications won't help fix the underlying problem, but they can help break through the stress to allow for training and learning to occur.
Sometimes it takes a combination of aids to overcome thunder anxiety. 1) We have a kennel crate inside a closed-off unused brick fireplace, covered with a thick cotton quilt (any thick pad would work). Fireplace gives a safe den-like feel but still have visual of the home & family. For temporary periods of thunder, placing a crate or dog bed in the bathtub or shower stall can help with grounding. 2) Anxiety relieving music is vital. There are several resources. My favorites are http://Relaxmydog.com & Through a Dog's Ear. Plenty available on YouTube to listen for free. 3) Anxiety organic liquid drops seem to work better than pills. My best results are from Bach Rescue Remedy & also Richard's Organics "Pet Calm". 4) Thundershirt (along with Pheromone Infused Thunderspray (spray on the shoulder patch). Introduce the shirt slowly (or any new item of clothing such as... (more)