Story last updated at 12:09 PM EST on April 15, 2006

Storm Phobias

Understanding why thunderstorms cause anxiety issues for some pets

By JANE PETERSON ,
Of The Oakland Press

Thunderstorm phobias can be devastating for both the pet and family members.

Lightening strikes and your dog cowers. Thunder booms and he darts underneath the bed. If your pet has a thunderstorm phobia, chances are you are well aware of it. According to Dov Lisner, D.V.M. of Lisner Animal Hospital in Walled Lake, a thunderstorm phobia is defined as an excessive fear or anxiety displayed by pets during thunderstorms.

Symptoms can include everything from pacing and crying to trembling and hiding. Depending on the level of the phobia, some dogs may even inadvertently destroy household objects, like carpeting, or harm themselves, said Lisner. Storm phobias are a challenge many pet owners face.

Signs that your pet is afraid of thunderstorms include everything from pacing and crying to trembling and hiding.

It can be devastating for both the pet who has to deal with the phobia itself and the family who has to watch their beloved pet struggle with it, said Doug Angel, D.V.M. of Goodison Veterinary Clinic in Rochester.

According to Lisner, the condition appears to be innate, meaning that the pets are born with the predisposition.

It has also been found to be at least partly genetic, he added. Dogs can develop a fear if they had an episode with storms at a young age when they were being socially imprinted as well, said Angel.

Cats can also suffer from thunderstorm phobias, but their anxiety may not be as visible or noticeable as that of dogs, said Angel. While dogs will demonstrate their anxiety in front of the family members, cats have a tendency to go and hide instead, he said.

It's important to recognize any behavior that is non-typical for your pet, said Angel.

So, what can you do about your pet's thunderstorm phobia?

For starters, visit your veterinarian. The pet should be examined to make sure there aren't any underlying medical problems, said Angel.

Then, talk to your veterinarian about the problem. Angel said treatment options include behavior modification and medication.

Your veterinarian can help you determine the best course of action for your pet's specific situation. According to Lisner, one method of behavior modification method is counter-conditioning, where a response is elicted that is physiologically and behaviorally incompatible with the phobia.

He offered as an example of this the development of a "safe" area for the dog, such as a comfortable rug. The dog should be praised and offered treats while he is relaxing quietly in the designated area.

Then, when a storm hits, owners can take the dog to this area, darken the windows if there are any and play loud, soothing music to block the sound of the storm.

Behavior modification takes time and patience. Angel said it is important that contradictory messages, like petting your dog and telling him that everything is OK - when clearly he knows it is not - may only increase his anxiety.

He suggests sitting next to the pet and talking normally without rewarding signs of the anxiety.

In some cases, anti-anxiety medication may be necessary to combat some dog thunderstorm phobias, said Angel.

According to Lisner, it's important to always consult with your pet's veterinarian when considering medical options for thunderstorm phobias.