Dogs Can Be Scaredy-Cats When It Comes To Thunder

PHILADELPHIA -- There is a member of the family who suffers every time there is thunder and lightning -- the dog.

Many dogs freak out during storms, Philadelphia television station WCAU reported.

"C.J. is out of control. As soon as that first lightning strikes, he starts to shake, cry incessantly," said Kim Newton of her precious pooch.

Thunder also turns Sam, a Bernese mountain dog, into 88 pounds of horrified hound.

"It's sad to see, actually. He's looking at you (saying), 'Make it stop, make it stop.' But you can't. You can't make it stop," said Ivonne Van Arkel of her dog, Sam.

"When some dogs get scared they'll become destructive. They'll tear down drapes, chew at the dry wall, chew at the door jams, and some dogs may get so scared they may break out of the house, jump through the window and run away," said Dr. M.J. Potter, of the Ardmore Animal Hospital.

If you want to help your dog feel better about thunder and lightning, some experts recommend creating a hiding hole, a small, dark place where your distressed dog can feel safe.

Also, when a storm strikes, you can try drawing your drapes, dimming the lights and turning up the TV so your panic-stricken pooch can't hear the thunder.

Veterinarians say one thing you can do is desensitize the dogs. Get a CD of thunder and play it very softly in the background while you play with your dog and give him treats.

Some dogs do well with prescribed medication.

"Prozac for dogs. It works well," Van Arkel said.

C.J. takes a tranquilizer to stay calm during storms.

"He does really well with that. It sedates him," Newton said.

If you have a dog distressed over thunder, don't feel bad. Chrissy Knight is dealing with a pit bull that is a scaredy-cat.

"I do. I do. I have a perfect scaredy-cat. I don't think anyone told her she's supposed to be different," Knight said.

Dogs predisposed to thunder phobia are young dogs and the herding dogs, such as collies, Australian shepherds and border collies, the station reported. Hounds such as beagles and bassets also seem to be more prone to develop a fear of thunder and lightning.