There’s no scientific evidence proving why some dogs are more bothered by storms than others. In this article, the author posits that dogs feel the storm coming and offers ways to help them feel less stressed. Sound only plays a small part in dogs’ overall fear of a thunderstorm. As the storm approaches, barometric pressure drops, making static electricity more common and … [Read more...]
Search Results for: Thunder
Turn down the volume on pets’ firework and thunderstorm fears
Complimentary Commercial Content Don't ignore your pet's fear out of the mistaken belief you will reinforce it and make it worse, writes Marty Becker, DVM. The key is to stay calm and not get all worked up yourself, but instead provide calm attention like how you normally interact with him. Becker has updated his previously published article for 2021. Source: Dr. … [Read more...]
Thunder, firecrackers and more loud sounds
Spring storms have been frequent and loud this year in the Midwest. Add graduation celebrations with fireworks and it’s a noise-averse dog’s nightmare. Bonnie Beaver, DVM, shares strategies for managing sound sensitivity in dogs. The information is an excellent reference to share with dog owners frequently. Studies have suggested that nearly 49% of dogs are reported by … [Read more...]
Help dogs get through their fear of thunderstorms
Marybeth Bittel shares six tips to deal with a dog's fear of thunder. They include: Watch your own behavior during a thunderstorm Use a Thundershirt Switch environments when it starts to thunder Increase exercise before a thunderstorm starts Use counterconditioning during a thunderstorm Try desensitization if your dog is scared of thunder Bittel … [Read more...]
Help pets get through thunderstorm phobia
Thunderstorm phobia is a panic disorder commonly seen in adult dogs which is generally triggered by a storm. The panic lasts the duration of the storm and often continues from 30 minutes to days. Dogs often anticipate the storm before it hits. Source: Firstline, May/June 2017, page 32. Dr. E’Lise Christensen, DACVB, offers at-home behavior modification strategies … [Read more...]
5 unexpected rainy day dangers for dogs
Rainstorms can lead to unforeseen dangers and issues beyond wet paws and coats: low visibility, lightening and thunder; puddles including leptospirosis, girardia, possible toxins; mushrooms; toads and frogs; pneumonia. Source: Pet MD, March 1, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
Six Horse Hitch Championship Finals to air on RFD-TV (video)
Horse enthusiasts will enjoy this week’s one-hour special of “Gentle Giants” which covers the 2021-2022 North American Six Horse Hitch Classic Series Championship Finals. The top 12 hitches of Belgians, Percherons and Clydesdales from the U.S. and Canada thunder into the arena, competing for $100,000 and the World Championship. Thursday, November 24, 2022, 9 p.m. CST; Friday, … [Read more...]
Two record-breaking lightning flashes occurred in 2020
A lightening flash with a length of 768 kilometers (477 miles) is the longest ever recorded, while another with a duration of 17 seconds is the longest-lasting flash ever detected. The length and duration of these flashes are an important reminder of how far lightning can strike from its parent region. Any time that you hear thunder, find a lightning-safe place, such as a … [Read more...]
Fireworks and noise phobias. It’s the season.
Complimentary Content The first fireworks of spring started a couple weeks ago here in Kansas City. Graduation celebrations may include some left over pyrogenic flashes and booms. While minor, these sonic disruptions are a reminder that July 4th celebrations are just around the corner. Fear Free Happy Homes offers pet owners a digital kit containing strategies for … [Read more...]
Keep pets safe during July 4th celebrations
Independence Day is Saturday and celebrations are already underway. While fun for us, the noisy festivities can scare pets and some run away. Plus, the foods we like can be unhealthful for them and firework debris can be dangerous. The American Veterinary Medical Association has helpful safety tips worth sharing. Source: American Veterinary Medical Association. Link. Make … [Read more...]
The Bridge Club now engaging two audiences
The Bridge Club expansion into the consumer pet segment with The Bridge Club Pets is keeping Bridgers engaged with this unique virtual community platform. Catherine Haskins leads discussions focused on guest speakers and educators. The schedule for The Bridge Club (industry group) events, as well as registration can be found here as available <link> The Bridge Club … [Read more...]
Behavior problems are too common in dogs
Confirming what we already know, a Finnish study of 13,000 pet dogs found that nearly three-quarters of them have behavioral issues. The study focused on seven issues: noise sensitivity fearfulness compulsion fear of surfaces or heights inattention/impulsivity separation related behavior and aggression. Over a quarter of the dogs were fearful of fireworks … [Read more...]
Calming noise-phobic dogs
Sally J. Foote, DVM, provides a storm sangria for dealing with noise-phobic dogs. It is a metaphor and process for an intervention that includes both appropriate medications and safe-room training. The result can help anxious veterinary patients experience a measure of peace during thunderstorms and other noisy events. Foote says triggers present hours before a storm … [Read more...]
Beyond fireworks, be aware of noises that scare dogs
When fear and discomfort go unchecked, they can turn into trauma. Thunderstorms, travel, vet visits and even the banging of garbage trucks elicit nervousness, trembling and cowering from dogs who are noise sensitive. We list two resources for addressing noise sensitivity. Source: Veterinary Medicine, June 29, 2019. Link. Barbara Sherman, MS, PhD, DVM, DACVB, DACAW recently … [Read more...]
Sponsored Content – Pet Anxiety Awareness Campaign kicks off June 2nd
Kristen Levine began a campaign three years ago to raise awareness about the need to recognize the symptoms of fear, anxiety and stress (FAS) in dogs and cats. She wants to encourage pet parents to speak to their veterinarians about how to get their pets relief. An estimated 50% of dogs and cats suffer from FAS Source: Cision, May 21, 2019. Link. Each week in June one of the … [Read more...]
Deal with canine noise phobias
Thunderstorm season is a challenging time for many dogs and their owners. Noise phobia describes the intense and irrational fear displayed to certain sounds by some dogs. Fear is a normal emotional response to a real or perceived threat or situation but they can escalate to a phobia that can emotionally cripple a dog. Nicholas Dodman, BVMS estimates close to 50 percent of dogs … [Read more...]
U.S. federal pot law puts vets into a quandary
California appears ready to pass the nation’s first law giving veterinarians the legal position required to answer questions about using cannabis for pets. At least 30 U.S. states have legalized medical marijuana, but none of them make provisions for ailing animals. As a result, veterinarians are reluctant to even discuss marijuana, which remains illegal under federal law, … [Read more...]
Help pets stay calm during storms
Spring thunderstorms are daily reality right now and they strike fear in some pets. This fear can manifest as hiding, whining, scratching, slobbering or tearing down door frames in a state of panic, according to animal behaviorist Patricia McConnell. It can worsen with age. This brief item article offers some useful tips to help keep pets calm and understand their … [Read more...]
Feline serenading indicates heat (includes videos)
If you grew up before air conditioning you’ve probably been awakened by the tell-tale sounds of a tom cat and his girlfriend singing to each other. Angie Bailey shares videos and discusses spay and neutering as the only way to stop all the caterwauling, yowling, lugubrious meows and thunderous purrs. Source: Catster, March 28, 2018. The only way to truly prevent female cats … [Read more...]
11 things you should know about dogs and fireworks
Independence Day celebrations are a couple weeks away. The time to prepare for the anxiety dogs experience from the sounds of fireworks is now, not then. Our friends at Purina developed 11 common-sense tips that are useful fodder for websites, blogs and newsletter. Hurry and share. July 4th is almost here. Source: Purina. Before July 4th rolls around, here are eleven things … [Read more...]
Industrial farms contribute to sound environmental practices
Livestock producers and farmers often get lumped together in terms such as, big ag, industrial farms and factory farming. These are not negative terms. In fact, industrial farms are good for the environment. Jayson Lusk, Oklahoma State University agricultural economics professor explains why in this well-researched op-ed. Source: New York Times Sunday Review, September 25, … [Read more...]
Research results, nothing to spit at
You just have to love our industry! Researchers recently shared the results of a meta-analysis to establish a reference range for dog salivary cortisol and to explore the relationship between cortisol and a variety of dog, experimental and environmental parameters. Source: Scientific American, July 27, 2016. (via AVMA Animal Health SmartBrief, July 29, 2016) This … [Read more...]
Shy and boisterous dogs warrant attention
This pair of articles will catch dog owners’ eyes. Thus, both are important to animal health pros who service dog owners, offer behavior training or support training classes. Chronic timidity limits a dog’s life quality and can become dangerous for others if the dog acts out of aggression. Incessant barking, jumping up and destructive chewing are on the other end of the dog … [Read more...]