Page 31 - FWG December Issue 2024

Animals Matter

STORM PHOBIA IN DOGS AND CATS

ith the onset of thunderstorms and hailstorms of a generator, transformer, pool pump, etc will reach the animal.
looming, many pet owners in our estate will be This will make your dog more anxious. In our homes, bathrooms,
concerned that their animals will suffer acute anxiety kitchens and pantries are considered “hard “rooms where the
Wand fearfulness during these episodes. Whilst some sound will reverberate and exacerbate the noise, so do not put
lucky, desensitised animals do not get phased, the terror that others your pet there unless they choose to do so. “Soft” rooms are those
experience is real. We’ve read stories of dogs who have severely that have curtains, carpets, beds and wall hangings, which absorb
injured themselves trying to escape storms, some even ending in soundwaves and are significantly quieter. For those with outside
death as they squeezed through fences. Others have chewed doors pets, the hard, plastic kennels reverberate and vibrate, causing the
and metal gates to try and escape, causing damage to their teeth animal to try to escape.
and paws. It is very distressing for owners to witness this.
HOW STORM PHOBIA AFFECTS THE SENSES
Animals have more acute senses than we do and uncannily appear to Sight – Lightning flashes will unsettle the animal and allow them to
sense a storm coming. You may observe your pet displaying anxiety see unusual movements. We can help them by keeping a light on
long before the actual storm arrives. This is owing to the biometric to minimise light flashes and drawing the curtains. Give them a safe
pressure in the air. We assume that these dogs are panicked by the space and a calming cap.
noise of thunder, but they may not be noise-phobic at all but instead Sound – Sharp crackling of lightning, rolling thunder, rain or hail,
dread the static electricity on their fur. Where the dog runs to during banging doors and windows. Close everything up, play music (Bach
a storm tells us a lot. For example, a dog that runs and hides in the is very calming), and introduce white noise (for example, fans, air
bathroom is not frightened by thunder. He is looking to feel grounded conditioners, radio statics, fan heaters - all cancel low-frequency
to escape the static electricity. This especially affects dogs who have rumbling noise).
long/double fur. We all want to help our pets during these times so Taste – There will be ozone in the air, giving off a metallic taste. Give
what can we do? your dog some treats and snacks (if he is not too scared to take them).
Touch – Changes in air pressure, with air and ground-borne
MANAGE THE ENVIRONMENT shockwaves, affect many animals. To help, take some dog conditioner,
All our pets need a safe space to go, and it’s advisable to establish a safe rub some on your hands and smooth over the dog’s whole body. Have
place before the storm season arrives. Of course, this means different some rubber mats for them to lie on; thunder-shirts and calming caps
things to different individuals. Some dogs prefer their crate/den or an may help.
enclosed space. Others hide under furniture or choose to be higher Of course, as every animal is an individual, we must ensure that we
than ground level. Some dogs may even prefer a car, again not a sign give them as much emotional support as possible and assist them
of noise phobia but rather the fear of static electricity. The car provides where we can. We can do this by observing their behaviour and any
insulation from vibrations on the ground/air and mitigates the sound. physiological change. Has his body temperature changed? Are there
tension patterns in the fur? Where is he holding his tension? Maybe he
Be mindful of where the safe space/bed is positioned. Do not needs medication? Storm Phobia is real; we owe it to our pets to help
place it next to a wall where the low-frequency rumbling noise them through it.

Jeanette Furstenburg is a certified animal behaviourist. She holds a diploma in Companion Animal
Behaviour (DipCABT) with distinction. She is a member of the COAPE Endorsed Association of Applied
Pet Behaviourists and Trainers International (CABTi), which is a member of the UK Dog Behaviour &
Training Charter 2024. She is part of the International Companion Animal Network (ICAN). In addition,
she is a member of the South African Board for Companion Animal Professionals (SABCAP).

For more information, call 082 445 8422,
email: jeanette@animalsmatter.co.za or visit: www.animalsmatter.co.za

Fourways Gardens • 29 • December 2024