THUNDERSTORM PHOBIA

Thunderstorm phobia is a very common occurrence in pets. Clients frequently complain of a pet becoming extremely distressed when bad weather occurs. Clients often report their pet will have excessive vocalization, inappropriate urination/defecation, hiding in fear, or destroying inanimate objects.

This fear may be caused by natural instinct. My thought process on natural instinct is that in animals in the wild the fear of thunderstorms is a protective mechanism. This phobia and internal instinct tells animals in the wild to hide from hail, rain, snow, and lightening. This may be the underlying cause of pets trying to get under the bed. The vocalization act I believe is due to animals in the wild trying to send messages to others of danger approaching.

The inappropriate urination/defecation inside could be caused by one of two reasons. The first reason for a pet having an accident is fear itself. The second cause might be the pet purely not wanting to go outside to perform the task in weather elements.

The treatment for thunderstorm phobia in pets can range from counter conditioning to medications. Counter conditioning basically involves changing the pet’s attitude about the thunderstorm by associating them with a good event. I have had clients who give their pets treats during this time. In some case the pets will associate the storms with treats, so they actually become elate when they occur. While this is occurring, the pet should also be comforted. In pets who will not respond to counter conditioning, mild tranquilizers, sedatives, or anti-anxiety medications may be used. Talk to your veterinarian to see which route you should go with your pet.

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