Dogs’ fear of storms common and probably in their genes
Helping pets overcome stress in thunderstorms will be labour-intensive
Fear of thunderstorms, also known as a storm phobia or astraphobia, is a common problem among dogs and is thought to have a genetic basis (e.g. herding breeds such as border collies are more prone to this).
In most dogs, this phobia is usually related to the noise component (i.e. thunder) rather than to the rain or flashing lights. However, in some dogs, it is the combination of lightning, static electricity in the air, low barometric pressure and noise that causes anxiety. Recent research has shown that static electric shocks during electrical storms may play a significant role in the formation of storm phobias.
Elimination of this phobia is very labour-intensive and involves several approaches and well-established training techniques. Consult your veterinarian about these behaviour modification techniques and what you need to do to implement them. Your veterinarian may also prescribe some anti-anxiety medication along with behaviour modification.
In most dogs, this phobia is usually related to the noise component ... In some dogs, it is the combination of lightning, static electricity in the air, low barometric pressure and noise that causes anxiety.
You should also be careful not to send any wrong signals to your dog during these stressful times. For example, rewarding your dog when he is anxious, whether with petting or treats, can send the signal that this behaviour is acceptable and even rewarded. Likewise, punishment is inappropriate.
Some basics steps can help minimize your dog’s stress levels and hopefully help him cope with thunderstorms. For example, a change in his environment (e.g. staying in the basement or in another location with no outside windows or doors), playing calming music or turning on the television during a storm, and providing exercise and playtime as a diversion may all prove helpful.
Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP), which goes under the trade name Comfort Zone, is a synthetic hormone that mimics the comforting and calming hormone that is released by canine mothers during nursing. It was developed to help reduce anxiety associated with storm phobias, separation anxiety, excessive barking and several other behavioural disorders.
More recently, an all-natural milk-derived supplement was shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorders including storm phobias. Alpha-S1 tryptic casein (trade name Zylkene) was shown to reduce the signs of stress associated with fear of noises (fireworks, thunderstorms, etc.) as well as other phobias (e.g. travel, grooming, meeting new people, etc.) and chronic stress.
It was also shown to help facilitate behaviour modification training because of its calming effect on both dogs and cats.