Help Conquer Your Dog’s Fears

Hi everyone and welcome to Val Talk’s Pets.  Pet parents regularly come looking for solutions to a dog’s fear of something in particular.  So, let’s get into it, and help conquer your dog’s fears

Dogs react so differently from dog to dog.  What one dog couldn’t care less about, another dog is a drooling shaking mess.  Many of these fears are just about equal on the scale of how severe the fear is, to many dogs.  I think at the top of the list is thunderstorms.

Thunderstorms

Dogs that fear thunderstorms can go through terrible, traumatic fear.  Many pet parents notice a storm is coming before it approaches based on their dog’s behaviour.  Dogs that fear thunderstorms, often begin pacing, shaking, drooling, yawning, hiding and even howling and crying.  I had a border collie that went berserk in a thunderstorm.  Once as we were trying to corral him into his crate, he shot out the door and proceeded to run in continuous circles barking at the sky.  We had to put him in his crate, in a room, cover the crate, turn off all lights and close the curtains. 

I had a dog as a child that would just shake and shake, cowering under the bed or kitchen table. I remember my Dad being up all night with her once, holding her through a severe storm. Some pet parents tell me their dog hides in the bathtub. Tundra through the last eight years we have had him, couldn’t care less about a thunderstorm until just recently. We had a pretty noisy thunderstorm in the middle of the night and he came to the side of the bed a bit upset and needed comforting. That was pretty much all of it, but it was a different response we have never seen. I thought that as he is becoming more senior, maybe this contributed.

So, why do some dogs react so fearful of a thunderstorm?

Possible Reasons

According to vetsoftherockies.com, there are three possible reasons for a dog’s fear of a thunderstorm. These possibilities include:

• canine noise aversion
• separation anxiety
• static electricity

As they also state, “Though vets aren’t sure what all the triggers are, they do suspect that a full-blown storm phobia is caused by some combination of barometric pressure changes, static electricity, wind, thunder, lightning, and low-frequency rumbles that come ahead of a storm.”

Canine Noise Aversion

A pet parent may notice that their dog is sensitive to certain noises.  Maybe dropping something on the floor, slamming a door, or fireworks, which we will talk about or gunshots.  That Border Collie that I mentioned also had this.  The farm next to ours permitted hunters to come and shoot, I don’t know why, but when they were in the vicinity shooting, this poor dog became a trembling mess. 

According to vetsoftherockies.com, Border Collies “have a genetic predisposition to noise phobias”.  Further mentioning that a dog could make an association between the noise of thunder and that of rain causing it to go into fear mode. This can happen when it is only gently raining, and not storming.  The possibility that a dog may have a genetic propensity to Canine Noise Aversion like Border Collies and also Australian Shepherds, could help explain the thunderstorm fear, but as stated, it could be a combination of things.

Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety is a condition in and of itself, but as vetsoftherockies.com states, “It is still possible that the uncomfortable and unfamiliar changes caused by a thunderstorm will trigger this form of anxiety.” 

 Static Electricity

This one is probably something that has not been thought about, but it is a real contributor.  During a thunderstorm, the air becomes charged with electricity.  As vetsoftherockies.com points out, your dog’s fur can become charged with static electricity.  This means that if they were to come in contact with something metal, they would get a little shock, especially if they put their nose on the metal. 

This could explain why dogs will often during a thunderstorm head for the basement or the bathtub because these areas they seem to know instinctually are grounded and there is less chance of them getting a shock.  And as the vets point out, if your dog only reacts in a thunderstorm but not to noises or separation then more than likely they are reacting to the static charge. 

Possible Solutions

Calming

Taking everything into consideration, the first thing to think of is some kind of calming device or supplement.  There are a lot of calming supplements on the market, from chews to liquids to pheromone calming collars.  I like Rescue Remedy because being a homeopathic, you can administer continuously as needed.  Homeopet also makes a good homeopathic called Storm Stress, specifically for thunderstorms.  There are also Thunder shirts that swaddle the dog giving a feeling of safety by creating a reaction through the pressure points for calming.  There are also weighted vests and blankets now for dogs.  The principle of a weighted vest or blanket is similar to a Thundershirt providing compression that is seen as a way to alleviate anxiety.  

I also think one way to look at thunderstorm fear is to look at the three possible causes.  The trigger of separation anxiety, because of the uncomfortable nature of the storm, may have to be dealt with as you would normally with separation anxiety.  Using calming treats, liquids, shirts, calming pheromone collars etc. should be your go-to tools for dealing with separation anxiety.  I think swaddling in a weighted blanket will also help with this. And don’t forget good old-fashioned cuddling.  A dog with separation anxiety triggered by a storm will need that extra attention.

Noise Reduction

Canine Noise Aversion is interesting. It left me wondering if there could be a way to help reduce the noise.  I’ve had a look online and there are quite a few noise-cancelling headgear that could be used.  There are muffs and what looks like headphones designed for dogs.  The muffs seem to be the most popular. I wonder if you could put some extra padding such as the pom poms that go in horse’s ears to avert the noise even more?  Either way, I think this may be the most effective way to deal with noise aversion.  And of course, some calming drops can’t go amiss.

Anti-Static

This is a challenge.  How do you manage static from an electrical storm?  Well, it seems the best advice is to use calming jackets or weighted vests.  These items will reduce the buildup of static on the fur to help minimize the chances of a shock.  I wonder if simply putting your dog in a set of pj’s or a recovery suit would do the same thing?  The idea is to reduce the build-up of static after all.  It may work!

Fireworks

Okay, moving on to the next fear that some dogs have, which is very similar to thunderstorms, and that is fireworks.  Fireworks have become quite controversial lately.  In my town, a survey was sent out specifically about the use of fireworks for personal recreation.  The comments online about the use of fireworks scaring pets and wildlife are quite extensive.  Holidays with fireworks tremendously increase the loss of pets, both cats and dogs, as they will often bolt and run for cover.  Not only is noise an issue with fireworks but they also release an odour. Dogs with their acute ability to smell, know this isn’t normal, installing a sense of fear and dread.

Possible Solutions

Some excellent tips on most SPCA sites can be incorporated to help your pet get through the fireworks display. Some of the tips on Toronto.com are good too.  Everything from avoiding going out for a pee during the display, to having the TV or some other source play soft music or something to override the sound, closing curtains, putting them in a crate etc.  But, I think following some of the ideas from thunderstorms can work well too.  If you know there is no way to avoid a fireworks display and your dog or cat struggles with this, try calming supplements and/or calming devices. I would think the noise-cancelling muff or headphones would be a really good idea for this.

Vet Visits

The next source of fear for many dogs is the dreaded vet visit.  Dogs have a good memory and often they associate going to the vet with the place where they were poked, jabbed, had strangers handle them, smelled weird stuff, and encountered other animals that frightened them. An all-around bad experience that they don’t want to face again.  Some dogs suck it up pretty well though, and prance into the vet like pros. But others simply turn to mush and refuse to go in the doors.  

How to make a vet visit more pleasant

One of the tips or tricks, shall we say, is to do just that, visit the clinic for no other reason than to have treats given and lots of attention from the staff.  It is thought that if the dog can have a pleasant experience he/she will remember this and be more receptive to going to the clinic.  It is also recommended that this technique be adopted right away with a new puppy.

Fear-Free Veterinary Certification

A thing to look into is whether or not your clinic has the Fear-Free Veterinary Certification.  According to fearfreepets.com, the certification is designed to teach veterinary professionals how to: 

• “Reduce or remove anxiety triggers that can cause pets to become fearful at home, in transport and at the veterinary hospital
• Help owners deliver calm pets to your hospital
• Enhance the quality of medicine in your practice 
• Increase compliance
• Improve safety for the veterinary team”

The Fear-Free method uses different techniques to help with pets who have become or are becoming fearful of the vet hospital to help eliminate fear.  If you know you have a pet with fear or anxiety and stress coming to the clinic, I would suggest asking whether the clinic has this certification to help you feel more comfortable taking your pet there.

Calming Treats

I also think that a little support with some calming treats or a drop of their calming supplement doesn’t go amiss. But, I would inform the vet of any calming supplements you have given so they are aware when examining your pet.  I usually give Tundra some Rescue Remedy when going to the vet just to take the edge off.  He doesn’t have an issue going to the vet, but he does get overactive panting which is a sign of stress that elevates his heart rate.  Calming is important for him when he does this.

Car Travel

Now some dogs have quite a fear of going in the car.  Some will associate the car with the vet, so going on fun rides to the pet store, a play date or a friend’s house can be helpful with this associative fear.  

As topdogtips.com points out, there could also be residual fear from being taken to a shelter and left or some other unpleasant trip.  A car accident as well can make a dog fearful of getting in the car again.

One of the other reasons that can make a dog afraid to go in the car is simply that they get car sick.  Some dogs get nauseous from the car and who would want to go into something that makes you sick?  In this case, a pet parent will need to look into some tummy-settling meds but also calming techniques.  Sometimes, the dog will become car sick because of their anxiety about the car.  A bit of a chicken and egg thing here.  

The best thing for car anxiety is to just do some practice getting in and out of the car with treats and fun.  Then some short 5 or 10-minute drives with treats and right back home.  After that an extended trip to somewhere fun and keeping calming sups on hand and observe if it looks like car sickness may be at the root.  These techniques won’t work overnight.  This is a desensitizing exercise, so time, patience and love are the keys.

Fear Of Objects

Let’s look at more fear that our dogs may have.  This is object fear.  The most common is the vacuum, but can extend to stairs although not quite an object, but brooms, lawnmowers, some toys, and hoses for example.

Vacuum Cleaner

Now I do not have this issue.  I can vacuum right up to Tundra’s nose and he won’t move. I have to tell him to get up so I can vacuum where he is lying.  But, some dogs go berserk when the vacuum comes out.  Why is that?

According to pangopets.com, the vacuum makes a loud noise.  As we saw with thunderstorms, Canine Noise Aversion is a real thing.  I find the vacuum loud, so imagine the effect it has on a dog with their hearing.  The vacuum comes out of hiding every so often and starts invading the dog’s territory with this loud noise and smell.  As pangopets.com remarks, the dog may be protecting its territory thinking this crazy thing is attacking them.

Dealing With Vacuum Fear

To deal with a dog that has a fear of the vacuum, you can always put the dog in another room or outside while you are vacuuming.  Or you can go through the desensitizing exercises to see if the dog and vacuum can get along.  This will mean a long period of introducing the vacuum without it running to the environment and then small starts and then small starts moving etc.  Moving the dog out of the room being vacuumed does seem a bit easier but if the dog’s behaviour becomes over the top and he or she is really experiencing anxiety, then getting the dog used to the vacuum through desensitizing techniques will have to come into play.

The Lawnmower

Very similar to the vacuum, the lawnmower can also cause a reaction.  In this case, for safety, the dog will have to be removed from the area.  If the idea is to have the dog outside while mowing, just hanging out under a tree or something is fine.  But, being close to the lawnmower is not a safe move, so perhaps your dog should go in its kennel or the house when the grass is being cut.

Odd Objects

Dogs can set up a fear of objects for no apparent reason.  Sometimes there is something on your walk that he will not go past or a certain toy is just terrifying.  There could be a reaction to new things they haven’t seen before.  Some senior dogs may experience dementia and what was fine before is not fine now.  Some dogs may also have had negative experiences with certain objects.

Hoses

When we first fostered Tundra, he was seriously afraid of the hose.  As soon as you picked it up he would scurry off, slouched low to the ground and would hide among the trees.  I later found out that being a community dog he would have been frequently sprayed with hoses, a method used by the community to control the dogs around the schools.  He is still not a fan of the hose and keeps a respectful distance, but he doesn’t slink away anymore. 

Walking Sticks

Someone just told me they are fostering a northern dog and he’s doing amazingly well especially since they have acres of land to walk on.  They got out their walking sticks to take the dog and oops, nope, off he went under the table. In conclusion, he has probably had sticks thrown at him or beaten with sticks. So as soon as he saw them he went for cover.  The foster Mum said, she turned to her husband and said, “Okay, no walking sticks for a while”.

Toys

Even toys can set up an aversion.  If it’s a weird toy that has an unfamiliar shape the dog may be quite thrown and act a bit afraid. The best practice is just to remove the toy, put it away and maybe re-introduce it slowly.  

With any of these fears, positive reinforcement is going to be key.  Working with your dog with patience and love is the best way to help deal with the fear. Odd objects especially since there can be many reasons as to why the dog is acting the way he is. 

In Conclusion  

Well, there you have some of the top things that scare our dogs. It is so difficult to try and help a quivering, whining dog.

Sometimes it’s because we can’t communicate to them that everything will be all right. That the fireworks will be over in 20 minutes, or the toy is just that, a toy.  All we can do is reassure them, make them feel secure and give them the tools they need to get through whatever is causing the fear. 

Well, hopefully, some of the tips I have here will be useful. As always continue researching, because as I say, knowing is caring.

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Tagged as: dog fears,  fear in dogs,  fearful dog,  fears that dogs have,  fearful dog rehabilitation,  fearful dog behavior,  dog fear and phobias.