Dog Storm Anxiety Medication

Dog thunderstorm anxiety is a disorder characterized by a persistent and exaggerated fear of storms or the stimuli that are associated with storms.

Dog storm anxiety medication. Prescription anti anxiety medications for dogs are sometimes needed with more severe storm phobias or for dogs who do not respond to over the counter treatments. It sedates the dog but is not an anti anxiety medication. During a thunderstorm the dog can still see and hear everything. I have a fool proof thunderstorm detector more accurate than the local weather doppler system.

But like someone having a nightmare in which he or she cannot run from danger the frightened dog can t move to escape. There are some things you can do to prevent your dog from reacting adversely to the triggers of thunderstorms or at least minimize the reaction. By some estimates at least 40 percent of dogs experience noise anxiety. No matter which medication your veterinarian chooses you will also need to put behavior modification protocols in place in order to help your dog work through their anxiety.

Gradually increase the volume over the course of several months stopping if your dog shows any signs of anxiety. Dogs diagnosed with storm phobia can react with anxiety or fear to wind rain thunder lightning and other associated stimuli including barometric pressure changes the smell of rain static electricity and even time of day. Play a cd of thunder recordings at low enough levels that don t frighten your dog while giving them treats or playing a game. Moderate to severe anxiety often responds best to a prescription anti anxiety medication and behavior modification training.

Preventing and treating thunderstorm phobia. A well trained dog is easier to socialize than a dog without training and obedience classes are a great place for dogs to meet other dogs in a controlled environment. Your veterinarian can also.