There are data that about 20 % of dogs suffer to some extent from fear of loud sounds. They are subject to all breeds (including hunting and beagles - no exception), according to statistics, females slightly more often than males. Unlike fear the phobia isn't adaptive reaction and doesn't promote self-preservation of an animal, and opposite, breaks normal functioning of an organism.
Clinically inadequate reaction to a sound stress factor at different dogs is shown very individually. The most common symptoms include salivation, rapid labored breathing, tremors, nervousness, increased physical activity (walking from place to place, or in a circle), voice activity (barking, howling), self-injury, urination, defecation, vomiting, destructive activity, aggressiveness, the desire to hide, to escape.
In extreme cases, dogs exhibit a panic: they lose sensitivity to pain, a susceptibility to irritants and extremely react even to harbingers of awful sounds. Some dogs in the house are hammered into the most far and dark corner, shiver, refuse flatly to go out of doors. On the street, having heard a terrible sound, they completely lose all skills and orientation in space and escape "aimlessly". In such situations, rescue flight is so intense that the dogs break teeth, claws and jump out the window every floor.
During a thunderstorm
· The main thing, don't panic! Try to behave and talk as if there is something unusually cheerful and pleasant.
· Start with a dog her favourite game, treat with the most tasty delicacy.
· If in the house some dogs, game with the quietest pet help to lower a stress at the most nervous.
· Be engaged in exercises on obedience, performance of several simple teams, well-known to a dog (sit, give a paw), will help it to relax.
· Turn on all TVs and radio in the house – in all rooms on different channels and it is rather loud to block thunderstorm noise by extraneous noise.
· Never abuse and don't punish a dog for stressful behavior. Keep in mind that the scared dog can suddenly show aggression signs. Be accurate and aren't persuasive at communication with it and don't resolve children and other pets to bother it.
· Avoid excessive petting, if you normally restrained with a dog. But if the dog is looking for your protection, physical contact, please do not ignore it, do not be afraid to soothe, caress, and talk with it - because it suffers, it is waiting for you to help, and it did not realize that you ignore it, "of the educational intentions ".
Use all the possible ways to help your pet cope with the fear of thunderstorms. Remember that prolonged exposure to stress on the animal can lead to serious long-term psychological disorders.
