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 develops and may include falling barometric pressure, wind, rain, cloud cover and thunder. This explains why dogs can suddenly act fearful on a calm, sunny day and escalate into panic when the thunder and lightning occur.
Source: Veterinary Medicine, August 16, 2019. Link. Pheromones, supplements and medications are some of the many options to help reduce anxiety associated with noise phobia. But medication alone is not enough. The dog also needs to learn to go to a safe room to be calm and protected during a storm.
INSIGHTS: This is a comprehensive article on storm and fireworks noise phobia. Foote’s guidance, including the music play list < link >, will be appreciated by clients with noise-averse pets. Now about that Sangria . . .