Storm Anxiety

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Thunder anxiety occurs commonly in dogs. The effects can be nervousness, hiding, or panic which may result in a medial emergency. I have seen thunderstorm anxiety cause heart attacks, heat exhaustion, broken teeth and nails from trying to get through a door and hysteria causing disoriented aimless running through traffic. There are several approaches to minimizing or preventing thunderstorm anxiety.

The most conservative is behavioral training or desensitization. Desensitization is done by the use of thunderstorm sounds. This can be recorded and played back on a daily basis for several weeks at gradually increasing volume levels and times. Make sure the environment is safe and secure. The dog is kept there until the fearful response subsides by no more than 50% per session. This response does not always transfer well to “real” storm situations as other factors including atmospheric pressure, illumination and smell stimuli may affect the pet’s behavior.  Desensitization can also be done during actual thunderstorm situations with calm petting and relaxing companionship to reinforce normalcy. This is more apt to be successful when storms are on a daily basis at a specific time of day. Caution is urged when punishment is used as this usually intensifies fear.

Certain drugs can be used in conjunction with desensitization training to treat the fear response of thunderstorm anxiety. The treatment may take 30 to 60 days. This allows for behavior modification with a gradual reduction in dose for a period of 14 days to monitor if undesirable behavior recurs. It is important to follow your veterinarian’s recommendations as many of these drugs may require monitoring organ function.

Sedatives such as Ace Promazine and Diazipam are used commonly as needed to control thunderstorm anxiety. Currently a double release diazepam pill for dogs is available for situations where and owner is at work all day or cannot medicate the pet at the time when afternoon storms roll in.

There are numerous herbal and natural gentle sedatives available that have shown benefit. These include ingredients such as Valerian, Kava (Piper Methysticum), Melatonin, etc.

Recently a product called Thunder Shirts has become quite popular. The shirt provides a swaddling effect that calms a dogs anxiety. It is a good non-drug option and comes in a variety of sizes. We have seen success in dogs of all ages, breeds and weights.

Thunderstorm anxiety can lead to serious medical conditions. It is best to treat or manage this problem when you dog is young or as soon as possible.

What Pets Really Need at the Vet

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I am often asked during examinations to “give only what my pet really needs.” The response depends on your pet’s health, what it does, and where it goes.  It is important for pet owners and pet health care providers to maintain a pet’s personal health plan, not just a pet’s vaccinations.

The most important thing a pet needs is periodic physical exams.  This biennial or annual veterinary physical examination may reveal health concerns that 90% of pet owners are not aware of.  Similar to seeing a relative only every 7 years (1 pet year), you notice changes that have taken place more easily than if you see that relative every day.  Some obvious changes may be body conformation, hair, coat, or dental changes.  These changes in your pet may facilitate in the development of a health care plan for longer, happier, and healthier pet lives.

The most common disease detected and prevented during routine examinations is intestinal parasites.  Intestinal parasites or “worms” are not prevented by vaccinations but by intestinal parasite screening and appropriate preventive worming.

Rabies vaccination is the only vaccination required by law for dogs and cats.  Even though it is very important for public health significance, it is a disease your pet is not likely to get.  In dogs, a very common disease is Bordatella (Infectious tracheobronchitis or Kennel cough).  The incidence of Bordatella is increased in dogs that go to dog parks, kennels, and groomers.  Diseases such as the Parvo Virus andDistemper Virus are still being diagnosed in our community. Vaccinations protect pets against these life threatening diseases.

Environmental factors, such as ticks, may indicate the need to vaccinate against Lyme Disease.

In cats, FVRCP (Feline Rhinotrachitis) and Feline Leukemia are highly prevalent diseases and vaccinations should be required.  For outside cats with exposure to cat fights and bites, Feline Infectious Peritonitis and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus vaccinations are advised.  Feline Bordatella is a respiratory disease in cats. All cats that may be boarded or exposed to other cats should be vaccinated for Feline Bordatella.

Canine Heartworm testing and Feline Leukemia/Feline Immunodeficiency Virus testing are routine tests.  They need to be incorporated in your pet’s veterinary health care plan.

When determining what your pet really needs during a veterinary examination, discuss with your veterinarian what kind of health concerns your pet has, its living environment, and its activities and habits.  A health care plan is very personalized and should include vaccinations, diagnostics, diets and behavioral adjustments, so your pet can enjoy a healthy and happy life.