Wind phobia is real for some dogs

Dear Cathy: We rescued Mikey in July 2019 from a shelter in Illinois. We moved to Tucson, Arizona, this past September. He first had trouble getting around on the tile floors, but about a month ago, he became afraid of almost everything. He is 4 years old and weighs about 60 pounds. He is afraid to go into our kitchen. Our kitchen has windows on two sides. He won’t drink or eat in the kitchen. I tried to bring his food into another room, but he wouldn’t touch it. I am holding his dish in the family room so he eats. Still, he gets so scared if the wind blows that he jumps on my lap or on top of us. Someone suggested a Thundershirt. Another friend said to give him pills. I don’t like either. Do you have any suggestions? — Kay & Terry

Dear Kay and Terry: Dogs can develop all sorts of phobias, and wind phobia is definitely something for dogs who are sensitive to sound.

You can help Mikey manage his fears by reducing his triggers. With wind, it’s the sound, so put on TV, play some music or turn on a sound machine. If the window bothers him, keep the blinds closed or use sheers to block any view or reflection.

You also can reduce anxiety by diffusing an essential oil or trying a pheromone collar or plug-in pheromones. Melatonin is sometimes used for storm phobias. Talk to your vet about the proper dosage.

A Thundershirt or Anxiety Wrap can help with phobias.

It takes time to find the right combination of strategies. If all else fails, your last resort is medication.

Always reward him with treats whenever he gets anywhere near the kitchen, and start moving his food dish from the family room to the kitchen inches at a time. If you can calm his surroundings and reduce the triggers, he may feel safe in the kitchen again.