Does your dog do this?

[Gail45ca]

Hi everyone,

I have a question that I am hoping you all can help me with. Everytime my 3 year old little dog hears a lawnmower or thunder, she gets very nervous to the point of panting and pacing around, trying to find a place to hide. Her heart beats so fast that I worry it stresses her out. The vet said to just reassure her the best I can, but it is still hard on me to see her this way. Is there anything that you all have tried on your nervous dog in this situation that has managed to keep them calm? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.

Gail

[DiegoDog]

The best you can do is try and divert her attention. Like a childs. If you make a lot of fuss over her while these things are going on, it may not calm her down. But if you get her playing, or eating, or doing something where she has to think about somthing other then the noise then chances are she will associate the noises with positive things. Many dogs stress out at the sound of thunder, each person has to find their own way to occupy their dog which is best suited to the dog's personality.

[Hanajunsmom]

Hi there. I know what you are going through. My girl, Shaggee, tells us it is going to rain even if the sky is sunny without a cloud in sight. She starts panting heavily, whining and pacing. I have found that putting her in the bathroom, which has no windows, and putting the fan on is the only thing that will calm her down. She is also afraid of fireworks and any loud noises of that nature. She was found on July 3rd and I think that has a lot to do with it. Poor baby girl. I think placing your dog in a safe, secure place to "hide" is a good thing to try. My vet had prescribed a sedative years ago which is also an option but I would use that as a last resort. Hope this helps and good luck to your little one.

[Gail45ca]

Thanks for the advice, Molly and DiegoDog. I think you're onto something by
getting her distracted. And also putting her in the bathroom. I've noticed that she goes into the bathroom by herself anyway when a storm is going on.
I'll try leaving her in there next time if it makes her feel more calm. Thank you!

:) Gail

[Hanajunsmom]

Great, I am guessing that since she goes in there instinctively that she feels "safe" in there. I hope that works for her!

[DiegoDog]

This morning around 7 am there was this massive crack of thunder. Like right over our heads. It scared the daylights out of Diego and I. We look at eachother, I started to laugh and he put his head down. We went back to sleep since I don't get up until about 10 am (work afternoon/night shifts). But the whole thing made me think of this senario. I am glad that the sounds don't bother Deigo too much. I took him out to the fireworks for canada day last year. Now that was funny, he was in awe of the lights.

[andone]

teya used to be afraid of everything and everyone. i just said come hide, and she'd come sit on my lap, and i'd reassure her.