Does Your Pet Have Storm Anxiety?

Flashes of Lightening
HOW TO HELP STORM PHOBIC DOGS
Debra F. Horwitz, DVM, DACVB
Veterinary Behavior Consultations, St. Louis, MO
Spring time is here and storm season is upon us
creating havoc for storm phobic dogs and their
people. During storm and noise events dogs can
display a wide variety of symptoms from trembling,
panting and pacing to outright panic and damage
to both the animal and owner property. Dogs that
experience intense responses to noises and storms
need our help to ease their suffering. Helping these
dogs requires a multi-modal approach encompassing
environmental management, behavior modification,
pheromones (Adaptil) and often medication.
Knowing more details about the problem can help
target the appropriate interventions. Dogs may be
bothered by different components of a storm; wind,
thunder, lightening, rain or all parts of the storm. Useful
information should include an accurate detailing of
presenting signs, their onset, intensity, duration and
how quickly and easily the dog returns to a baseline
calm emotional state after the event is over. Storm
sensitivities and phobias should be verified by an
accurate description of events-what exactly are the
behaviors the dog exhibits and what events cause the
worst signs? Whenever possible try to rate the response
on a numerical scale; a one for low level responses like
quietly trembling under the bed and a five for
complete terror; racing around the home destroying
objects. This information allows the veterinarian to
determine which treatments to prescribe, gauge
treatment response, and to monitor and adjust the
treatment regime for each individual patient. Dogs
that suffer from storm and noise reactivity may also
find being home alone challenging and suffer from
concurrent separation anxiety. A diagnosis of
separation anxiety can be verified by a video
recording when the dog is home alone on a regular or
work related departure. If separation anxiety is
present, both the noise and storm anxiety and the
separation anxiety should be treated for best control
and resolution of signs.
COMMON SIGNS IN NOISE & STORM ANXIETIES:
• Hiding
• Pacing
• Panting
• Whining
• Trembling
• Destruction
• Vocalization
• Hyper-vigilance
• Following family members
• Escaping house or yard
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
An important first step is to create a calm, safe place
for dogs experiencing noise and storm sensitivities
to be during the event. Pet owners should identify a
quiet, dark, safe location where the dog can go
during noise events, perhaps even one the dog
selects. A room with no windows may diminish the
noise or ability to hear or see outside stimuli; some
dogs prefer a closet or just their dog bed. Place an
Adaptil diffuser in the location to help facilitate calm
behavior. Place the diffuser in an electrical outlet at
least 72 hours prior to the anticipated event and once
plugged in allow the diffuser to remain in place at
all times. Check the diffuser on a regular basis for the
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presence of pheromone material in the chamber and
to assess function. Replace diffusers monthly. If the
dog hides during a storm they may benefit from
wearing an Adaptil collar daily throughout
thunderstorm season for better and consistent
exposure to the pheromones in addition to a diffuser in
the home.
If a dog panics during noise events the location
should be chosen carefully, some dogs may injure
themselves trying to escape crates or rooms with
closed doors. Practice taking the dog to this location
when no storms are present and begin to associate
good things like food stuffed toys and calm petting
with the location. White noise such as a fan or the
addition of music can help mask the disturbing outside noises during storms. Three research studies have
shown a reduction in fear responses to fireworks in
dogs exposed to Adaptil therapy1,2,3 during and
between noise events so don’t forget to utilize this
treatment. Limited evidence for the efficacy of body
wraps is available, but these additional treatments
may be calming for some dogs.
BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION
Teaching the dog how to settle and relax in a
specific location is extremely useful. A dog bed, a
rug or mat can be used in the designated “quiet”
place where the Adaptil diffuser is located. The dog
is brought to the spot, taught to sit/stay or down/stay
while also remaining relaxed using a key phrase “relax,
or easy”. Training is facilitated with food stuffed toys or
a food rewards. The goal is for the dog to be
physiologically and emotionally calm on cue, as
evidenced by slow relaxed breathing, soft body, eyes,
ears and tail. When training can take place before
the fear inducing event it allows the dog to settle more
easily during a storm.
For other dogs it may work better to teach the dog
a fun game that can be used during storms or firework
displays. A game of fetch, hide and seek or even
teaching tricks using food rewards may distract a dog
during the anxiety producing event and help them
learn to ignore the stimuli.
Counter conditioning and desensitization using audio
CD’s of storm sounds or other noises can be useful to
diminish responses and help the dog learn to be calm
during the event.3 While a useful treatment modality,
this is best done prior to storm season for best effect.
WHAT TO DO DURING
THE ANXIETY PRODUCING EVENT
At the very first sign of a storm or noise event, calmly
take the dog to the designated “safe” area and help
them settle and relax. Use your pre-establish key word
to help the dog know what to do. The use of gentle
patting, massage and/or food rewards can help
facilitate calmness for some dogs, but other dogs may
prefer to be left alone. Punishment and scolding must
always be avoided; these will increase anxiety rather
than decrease emotional arousal. Do not attempt to
remove a dog that has found what they consider to
be a safe hiding place unless they are in danger. It is
useful for the human to remain calm as well so try to
engage in a relaxing activity for yourself.
MEDICATION
For some dogs, these recommendations will not be
enough and they continue to suffer severe anxiety
and panic during a storm. No medications are
specifically approved for the treatment of noise and
storm sensitivities, but various medications have been
utilized to help calm dogs experiencing distress at
these events. Smaller studies (without placebo) have
indicated that anxiolytic medication such as
benzodiazepines with or without daily tricyclic
antidepressants or selective serotonins reuptake
inhibitors may be useful to control the signs of distress
and panic in noise and storm sensitive pets.4 Only a
licensed veterinarian who has examined your pet can
prescribe, dispense and supervise medication for your
dog. Owners should be encouraged to contact their
veterinarian for an assessment of their dog and their
symptoms to see if medication is appropriate in their
individual situation and what medications are safe to
administer to their pet.
Using a multimodal approach including Pheromones
(Adaptil), environmental management, behavior
modification and when necessary medication dogs
and their people can both have a better storm
season.
1Sheppard G, Mills DS Evaluation of dog-appeasing pheromone as a potential treatment for dogs fearful of fireworks Veterinary Record (2003) 152: 432-436.
2Mills DS, Estelles GM, Coleshaw PH, Shorthouse C Retrospective analysis of the treatment of firework fears in dogs Veterinary Record (2003) 153: 561-562
3Levine ED, Ramos D, Mills DS A retrospective study of two self-help CD based desensitization and counter-conditioning programmes with the use of Dog
Appeasing Pheromone for the treatment of firework fears in dogs Applied Animal Behaviour Science (2007) 105: 311-329
4Crowell-Davis SL, Seibert LM, Sung W, Parthasarathy V, Curtis TM Use of clomipramine, alprazolam and behavior modification for treatment of storm phobia
in dogs JAVMA (2003) 222: 744-748
12 - Midwest Veterinary Supply | JUN 2013 | www.midwestvet.net