FEAR OF THUNDERSTORMS
Weather and natural phenomena never tire of testing mankind with thunderstorms, storms and hurricanes. Many people have a serious fear of lightning and thunder. There are those who fall into panic and brontophobia. We can observe fear of thunderstorms in Pets as well. Usually, it is the dogs who have the fear of thunderstorms, so during thunder and lightning, we can observe a strange panic state in the dog . This panic fear can manifest as trembling, barking, panic destructive behavior and a way to hide. Science gives a precise definition of this state of behavior in animals and calls it – astrophobia. Animals feel a change in atmospheric pressure before a thunderstorm, hear the loud sound of thunder and lightning, panic flee and seek escape, this is the kind of panic disorder scientists interpret and define as astrophobia.
Dog owners should always be prepared to help their pet survive the stress, thunder and lightning. In order to help survive such situations, it is worth taking specific measures. For example, it’s worth building a shelter for your Tail Friend if you don’t have one. This can be any space that is securely closed from all sides, but with access to the outside, for example: a table covered with cloth, a large box, an aviary and the like. It is worth putting in this place things that will remind the dog of his home – a blanket, toys, pressed and chewed bones and put his water bowl. In this way, the pet will feel more secure.
If possible, it is worth keeping the dog in the house or apartment by closing the windows and balcony to muffle loud noises. During a thunderstorm, it’s worth distracting your Pet if you can’t muffle the sounds as much as possible. You can pet him, play with his tail and give him treats. You should not keep your pet forcibly in an enclosed space, against his will. For the dog it will be a crazy stress, which will only bring unpleasant consequences. It is better to help the Doggie and support him in stress at his own “booth”. You can speak to him in an affectionate and gentle tone, stroke his head and ears, try to perform certain easy commands with the dog, offer to take a toy in his teeth or reward him with a treat.
Owners can also use calming medications, such as herbal pet sedatives. You can always purchase valerian or dog nettle-based calming preparations at local pharmacies. These medications should be given an hour before a thunderstorm if you look up at the sky and notice that rain and thunder are coming and know that your pet will react restlessly. Be sure to consult your doctor about dosage and ask about permission to use such medications, as this is an individual issue. In general, to overcome the fear of thunderstorms and storms, you need to show your dog maximum love and attention, provide the Friend with a sense of security. And in time, the panic will pass!
FEAR DURING EXPLOSIONS
Animals and humans are susceptible to stress during explosions, just as humans are – the animal gets shock and panic. Some animals experience great fear, which can lead to shock, shock and in some cases even death.
In times of war, especially in war zones where explosions and gunshots do not subside, animals and especially dogs are too vulnerable. Some animals live in such areas because they were not removed in time and then were not allowed to leave, and some because they live with military personnel. It is important for all owners of Faithful Tails to be able to recognize the signs of stress and anxiety in their Doggies and help them in time. The main signs of stress include: trembling, increased breathing, whining, running around and from corner to corner, fear and panic in the eyes and drooling.
Owners should have skills to help provide comfort and peace of mind for their Pet. Create a safe place where the pet can sit through the sounds of loud bangs and explosions. If possible, it’s worth setting up a special storage area with insulating material to reduce the sound of the blast. Regularly playing light and calm music will help the dog get used to the noise in the environment. Limit access to doors and windows as much as possible, closing them to reduce the entry of sounds into the room. Reward your dog with a “treat” for calm behavior during explosions so that he associates these situations with tasty rewards. There is a list of therapeutic medications that contain pheromones and sedatives to help you regulate panic stress. In severe cases, you should seek specialized help from veterinarians.
Calming and balancing an animal during explosions and gunshots requires patience and observation of specific requests and needs. Tails owners should try to get them help in time so as not to aggravate the problem, because such great stress can provoke and worsen the animal’s health and psyche. Remember that the timely provision of qualified assistance, is the key to success!
