Modesto pet columnist has tips for how to calm dogs stressed by thunder

Does your dog become scared, anxious, or generally stressed out when a thunderstorm hits? Many dogs truly suffer in the fall and winter, when their sensitive ears pick up the occasional sound of thunder. Some signs that your dog is stressed include trembling or shaking, excessive salivation or lip licking, hiding, barking or panting, or looking about with wide “saucer” eyes.

Why consider this troubling behavior when the weather is still warm, and the sun is shining? Because if your dog is one of those who suffer during thunderstorms, you can do something about it, but you must begin before the weather changes.

One approach that can work well is gradual sound desensitization. Basically, you expose your dog frequently to the sound of thunder – at an extremely low level at first – and pair the sound with something pleasurable, like a belly rub, a meal, a game of tug, hunting for scattered treats or snuggle time in your lap. Over time, as your dog grows accustomed to the distant sound of thunder, you gradually increase the sound level. Fortunately, you can accomplish this without being particularly adept at forecasting the weather; there are CDs available with nothing but the sound of thunder for this exact purpose. If you are diligent in desensitizing your dog in this manner, then by the time a real thunderstorm arrives, your dog may consider the noise as something he routinely hears and doesn’t become bothered by it.

Another option is applying a Thundershirt, so named for its effective use on stressed out dogs, particularly during a thunderstorm. Many experts believe that pressure applied to the body has a calming effect on the nervous system. The shirt fits snuggly on the dog with numerous Velcro straps, providing gentle but firm pressure around the torso. The beauty of this product is the dramatic results that can often be seen instantly. If you suspect a storm is on the way, place the Thundershirt on your dog ahead of time. Even if the weather catches you off guard, and your dog becomes stressed, you can put on the Thundershirt and often watch your dog relax within a few minutes. Often just the comforting pressure of the shirt relieves the stress – no training required.

In my experience, dogs that have a long history of becoming stressed during car rides, when left alone, or during thunderstorms can greatly benefit from wearing a Thundershirt in addition to some general desensitization work on whatever stresses them. Although the Thundershirt does not have the same effect on every dog, its effective often is enough to give it a try before moving on to other options.

Another product that has recently become available is Sileo, specifically geared to aid our noise sensitive dogs. This is a prescription item, so a visit to your veterinarian would be required before expecting any thunderstorms.

If you are unsure of the weather conditions of the day as you leave for work, be sure to contain your dog safely inside, and leave a TV or stereo on to help muffle any sounds from outside.

If this is something your dog routinely struggles with, seek out a professional for guidance, act well before the stormy weather hits, and prepare your dog in every way you can to minimize the stress this fall and winter.

Lisa Moore’s pet-behavior column appears once a month on the Pet Page. Write to her in care of LifeStyles, The Modesto Bee, P.O. Box 5256, Modesto 95352.