Pet projects

By Beth Hamilton, O.C. Animal Shelter Director
Published: July 3, 2008

Dogs detect oncoming thunderstorms in four ways: seeing, hearing, smelling and feeling static electricity.
When dogs sense an impending storm and are bothered by the loud sounds of thunder, the best thing you can do is to ignore both them and weather and try to act as normal as possible. Do not comfort or soothe your dog or give him treats in response to his acts of fear. If he is extremely afraid, chances are he will not eat anyway and may never again accept the particular treat you are trying to give him. If he does take the treat, he might associate it with the behavior he is demonstrating and extend that behavior in hopes of getting more rewards. The best solution is to be calm and continue to do what you are doing.
In some cases, you may observe the fact that your dog knows a storm is coming long before you actually hear the thunder or see the lightning. If so, you might try playing with him, throwing a ball or doing something routine that he likes to do so that the dog knows you are not afraid and he should not be either.
Dogs who feel the discomfort of static electricity will usually find relief in the bathroom of your house by “grounding” themselves on the cool tile. Many will simply get in a shower and lie down until the storm moves on. You may be able to further reduce the effect of static electricity by wiping your dog’s body with one of the commercial fabric softener products designed to eliminate static electricity in your clothes dryer. Available brands include: Cling Free, Bounce, Downy, Snuggles and many store brands.
If you have more than one dog, some of whom are afraid and others who are not, try to keep them separate during the storm. Otherwise, the dog that is afraid might “teach” your other dogs to fear storms.
In extreme cases, some dogs can lose control and will actually jump through glass windows or destroy things in your home. Under these circumstances, it is advisable to consult with your veterinarian about the proper use of sedatives. Administer the prescribed dosage at the first signs of weather-related stress… or at about dusk on July 4. You and your dog will both have a happy summer!