Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Thunderstorm fear in dogs - signs, breeds, and age of onset
By McCobb, E C et al.·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·2001·Clinical Sciences Department, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Thunderstorm phobia in dogs: an Internet survey of 69 cases.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Many dogs, especially herding breeds, can develop a fear of thunderstorms, often starting when they are less than a year old. Owners reported various behaviors during storms, such as hiding, barking, or shaking. Understanding these signs can help pet owners recognize thunderstorm phobia in their dogs. Treatment options vary, and knowing what works best for your dog can make a difference in managing their anxiety during storms.
People also search for: dog thunderstorm anxiety treatment · why is my dog scared of storms · herding dog thunderstorm phobia
Abstract
To learn more about predispositions for, signs, and progression of canine thunderstorm phobia, a survey for owners was posted on the Internet. Questions addressed signalment, age of onset, behavior during storms, and treatments tried. Sixty-nine responses were received. Herding dogs and herding crossbreeds accounted for the majority of dogs. Seventeen of 41 dogs with a known age of onset began exhibiting thunderstorm phobia <1 year of age. Various characteristic responses of dogs to storms were described. Improved knowledge of the demographics of thunderstorm phobia, its development, and presentation will assist in understanding the genesis and progression of the condition.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11450831/