[Lauren Sweeny]

I meant "pheromone " that you plug into a wall that also calms dogs . The only thing I have actually used is the Rescue Remedy that works for both humans and dogs . I do try to maintain a calm demeanor but the storms have been so close hitting, noisy, long lasting and violent that it is hard to maintain a calm disposition myself!!

[redwitch]

Originally Posted by Lauren Sweeny

I meant "pheromone " that you plug into a wall that also calms dogs . The only thing I have actually used is the Rescue Remedy that works for both humans and dogs . I do try to maintain a calm demeanor but the storms have been so close hitting, noisy, long lasting and violent that it is hard to maintain a calm disposition myself!!

Do be careful using Bach's Rescue Remedy -- there is a formula for humans which contains alcohol and one for animals with no alcohol. It is not good to give animals, especially cats, the human formula.

[NottaVillager]

There's a very good product out there called Calm-Pro. You buy it online, you can't get it at PetCo or PetSmart. When you wipe away all the scientific gobbledegook it's essentially turkey & beer. It's a chewable pill and works very well. Number of pills given is based on the animal's weight. It tends to make them relaxed and sleepy. The problem is, if a storm comes along you can't get it into them quick enough for it to be of any real help. But..if you have a day where the forecast is calling for a good chance of storms, if you give some ahead of time, it may be a great help.

[MicheleE]

Our one dog is scared to death when it just starts to get dark and cloudy outside. The real fear sets in once the thunder starts. We've got a thunder shirt for him and that helps a little bit but he's right under my legs when I walk of sitting on my lap if I am sitting. If the storm is really loud, he throws up. I feel so bad for him......

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by MicheleE

If the storm is really loud, he throws up. I feel so bad for him......

I feel bad for him too. Have you talked to your Vet about a sedative? Normally I wouldn't suggest that, but it sounds as if your dog has an extreme phobia.

[NottaVillager]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

Most of my dogs have been afraid of thunder. I think it's a normal reaction to loud noises. I've noticed that my little dog has become more afraid, now that he has cataracts. I was told by a dog trainer to act nonchalant during a storm. Of course that doesn't help if you're hiding under the bed yourself.

I'm in what's probably a small minority who feels very comfortable during storms so I have virtually no problem being nonchalant. In fact the best sleep I ever get is if there's a big T-Storm booming away outside. Puts me right to sleep.

[echo11]

Another non-prescription pill that can be given to dogs and cats for anxiety is Anxitane. It is a green tea derivative. Since it takes a while to see results, it has to be given ahead of time on an ongoing basis. Like any other remedy, it works for some dogs, but not all.

[Lovey2]

We have 2 Ragdoll cats. The bigger and older one cries, and then hides as soon as she hears a continual thunderstorm. Usually in my closet, where we have a pillow for her, or under one of the beds. The other one seems unaffected, aside from wanting to be inside rather than on the lanai.

[casita37]

My husband used to have a huge German Shepherd, a smaller mixed Shepherd and a 10-12 lb. Schipperke. He had a large double window in his living room. (This was all before me.) He said during a storm, the GS and the MS would hide wherever they could find a spot the quickest. The Skip would stand at the window and bark fiercely at the lightening. I always thought it would make a great cartoon strip.

[Bonanza]

My previous Doberman cringed and shook and would hide in the bathtub at the slightest hint of thunder.

Our little galcurrently barks at thunder and makes us laugh.

[CFrance]

First golden shook like crazy no matter how nonchalant we acted. He was never afraid till age 2--we were anchored out in a Lake MI harbor and a thunderstorm came through. Bimini rod came loose and banged the whole time along with the thunder. That was it for the next 11 years.

Our second and present golden was by himself when a big storm came through late last winter. After that he started to be concerned, but the frequency of the thunderstorms lately has actually helped. He just ignores them now, but makes sure he's in whatever room I'm in.

[zcaveman]

I had a dachshund that used to hide behind the toilet when the thunderbooms started. She preferred to stay there instead of getting into my lap.

I could never coax her out. If I knew the thunderbooms were coming, she would sit in my lap.

Z