Nightmare night

[Koslg]

 
The storms are beginning to make Humbug really scared.

I've noticed this month that he growls at thunder. Gets scared of lightening. He's six. I've not really noticed it much before.

Last night we got very little sleep. He growls first then sort of does some panting. I can barely reassure him he's ok.

I have put a thunder shirt on him which used to work but not much at the moment. I have a plug in but don't leave it on long as it gets very hot and that worries my OCD concerns.

Any suggestions. I'm desperately in need of sleep. So is Humbug. Thanks.

[daw]

Hi! I had a cocker that became increasingly bothered by storms. Two possibilities (I've done both!). One is just nap during the day when it's quiet and get him to sleep with you- when the storms are noisy put TV or radio on as loud as you dare - neighbours may be an issue- and do normal things without giving attention. Behave as if you can't hear anything. Easy for me as I work from home and I'm my own boss.

Second go to your vet and discuss a mild tranquilliser for short term use- for him I mean. It'll get you over the worst. Good luck.

[Koslg]

Thanks. Call to vets made. They suggested a herbal appreciate such first so I'll give that a go first. 

[lescef]

You can counter condition a dog to scary things.
Sit with him and whenever the storm breaks feed him tasty treats -chicken,  liver etc. As the noise stops, stop feeding. Repeat as thunder claps again. That way he comes to associate a nasty thing with a tasty thing. I've done it with Maddie who started to hate drills after we had work done in the house.
Sorry if it's the middle of the night though, which I believe it was last night!)

[Redked]

Bonnie is scared of any sudden loud noises and she's only 3. She has been scared of guns, fireworks and especially motorbikes right from the start. Unfortunately, she won't eat anything (so unlike her) while in her anxious state so can't try Lescef's suggestion.

What did help last bonfire night was creating a den for her; I put big throws over the table so it was dark underneath then I put my slippers in there (treats didn't work so something with my scent on to comfort her), a comfortable blanket on the floor and she did spend a lot of time in her little den. She chose that over being with us so I presume the dark, enclosed space gave her some comfort and eased her anxiety a little. Bonnie was crate trained as a pup so I think it gave her the same comfort as the crate did when she was little. If Humbug was crate trained, maybe creating a den during the storms might comfort him too xx

[minimoo]

Bach rescue remedy spray, a couple of sprays on their tongue. my old boy was terrified of fireworks and it did wonders for him use it sparingly and you will find he chills out

[jennycockerspaniel]

Penny 7  has started to hate fire works and  noise.last yearshaking pacing and staring we got her athunddr coat and sits on our knee withit on she shakes but does  not pace they say you shouldnt cuddle but she betfef on our knr will try the food treats to see of he, ps and Bach remedyi Hope you find something to sett.le your little one

[Koslg]

Thank you for all your comments and ideas. It's just because we love them so much that we don't want them to be scared. If only they could talk. X

[Markr64]

Some time ago I had a Jack Russell who was truly awful with thunder, we tried some Scullcap and Valerian which was recommended by a friend and hey presto it calmed him down enough which was such a relief.