However, the CD should NOT be played as background noise, playing loudly, because this may worsen the anxiety due to the “flooding” effect or technique (see Flooding: Can It Drown Fears). The goal is to keep the dog calm and relaxed during the session. Sessions should take place daily for 5 to 10 minutes, or as the owner’s schedule permits.Move slowly and gradually to sounds, such as thunder, that trigger more intense fear.Begin each stimulus softly, with a gradual increase in volume.Start with the least scary stimulus (from the individual dog’s perspective), such as rain.If the dog responds with fear to the sound of rain or thunder, desensitization and counterconditioning (DS&CC) can be attempted using a CD of storm noises. THERAPEUTIC TRAINING Desensitization & Counterconditioning The dog may be responding to impossible-to-control stimuli, such as changes in barometric pressure, ionization, and lightning, making desensitization difficult. Given the complex nature of storm phobia, however, treatment is challenging and requires intensive follow-up in some dogs. Offering a safe place, such as a bathtub, laundry basket, or open closet.Providing background noise (television, radio, fan, or white noise).Bringing the dog indoors during the storm.This is an area that requires further investigation for example, do certain dogs have a genetic predisposition to anxiety that increases the chance they will develop a fear or phobia? TREATMENT OF STORM PHOBIAĭepending on presentation, treatment of storm phobia may be straightforward. In patients where an event is not thought to be the cause, identifying another cause is, at best, a guess. In worst-case scenarios, panicked dogs may try to “escape” from crates, rooms, houses, and fences, severely injuring themselves as well as causing extensive damage both inside and outside the home.Īn inciting cause may exist, such as a very severe storm or lightning strike.

When faced with these stimuli, dogs may hide or stay near the owner, tremble and shake, or drool profusely.

Pathological fear of dogs called