5 Health Mistakes Dog Owners Make

Feature by Wendy C. Fries

Sometimes, pet owners with the best of intentions still make serious mistakes when it comes to the health of their dog.
Here's what top veterinarians had to say about mistakes owners make that lead to ailments they often see and how you can avoid them.

Mistake 1: Not Getting Preventive Care
Houston’s Canine Health Institute associate medical director Adrianne Brode, DVM, says neglecting preventive health care is the most common mistake dog owners make.
"Taking your dog in to the vet for regular examinations, giving heartworm prevention, and getting your dog the appropriate vaccinations and deworming can prevent many diseases," Brode says. For example, heartworm disease can be difficult to treat and ultimately fatal to dogs, but it's easily preventable.
Oregon veterinarian Marla J. McGeorge, DVM, says yearly exams help your vet catch problems early. Instead of coping with lengthy treatment of an advanced or chronic condition, your vet can catch issues in their beginning stages when care may mean cure. Early care saves you money in the long run.
5 Health Mistakes Dog Owners Make
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Mistake 1: Not Getting Preventive Care continued...
Simply getting your dog vaccinated isn't the same as a full physical exam. Among other things, a comprehensive checkup may include:
Blood work
A fecal examination for intestinal parasites
Examination of a dog’s gums, heart, lungs, teeth, eyes, and ears
Talk to your veterinarian to learn more.
Mistake 2: Neglecting Dental Care
Shawn Messonnier, DVM, author of the Natural Health Bible for Dogs and Cats, says neglecting regular dental care is also common. Dogs need dental care for the same reason we do: to prevent gum disease.
As with human teeth, plaque forms on a dog's teeth after eating. If left alone, the plaque builds, causing inflammation, decay, and eventually bone and tooth loss. And while this silent war goes on in your dog's mouth, she’s probably experiencing pain you don't notice because dogs, like cats, instinctively hide pain.
Gum disease is five times more common in dogs than it is in people. But it's easy to prevent and to treat with dental care that includes:
Daily brushings
Good quality food
Regular oral X-rays, exams, and cleanings
Safe teeth-cleaning treats and chew toys

Mistake 3: Overfeeding
If too much love is ever a bad thing, it's when we show it in the form of too many tasty treats. "Rewarding and loving our dogs with food leads to obesity," Brode says. Overweight or obese dogs are at higher risk for arthritis and other orthopedic issues as well as other health problems.
It can be difficult enough to balance your own diet let alone that of your dog. Your vet can help you select a good, high-quality food for your dog and give you tips on exercise and treats. You don't have to stop sharing occasional goodies with your pooch, as long as 90% to 95% of your dog's diet is healthy and well balanced.
Mistake 4: Sharing Medication
Another dangerous health mistake owners make is giving dogs human medications. "Pain medications like Advil or Tylenol can be very toxic to dogs," Brode says. In addition, there is a host of seemingly benign human drugs that can pose grave health risks for pets.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, are the most common cause of pet poisoning in small animals, according to the ASPCA. Even small doses can be toxic. Antidepressants, muscle relaxers, decongestants, vitamin D derivatives, oral diabetes treatments, and other common human drugs can all pose risks to pets, ranging from seizures to coma to death.
Always keep medication secure -- preferably in a high, locked cabinet -- and never discard medication where pets or children can get to it. If you’re worried that your dog may have gobbled up an over-the-counter or prescription pill you dropped -- or worse, taken an entire bottle from the trash -- don't hesitate. Immediately call the Animal Poison Control Center 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435.
Mistake 5: Delaying Critical Care
We often delay medical care for ourselves, waiting for a bump, pain, or rash to go away. So it may seem natural to do the same thing with our dog.
Unfortunately, dogs don't have the words to let us know exactly what they're feeling. Your canine companion could be in pain, sick, and even gravely ill -- and chances are you wouldn't know it because of dogs’ instinct to hide infirmity.
Don't wait to see if a health problem in your dog gets better on its own. Call your vet if your dog isn't eating or is eating less, is vomiting, seems lethargic, has diarrhea or fever, or just doesn't seem well.

Canine Joint Health: 5 Simple Ways to Ease Pain
Written on 11/09/2012 by Brandy Arnold in Bones & Joints, Staying Healthy
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Does your pooch suffer from joint pain? Perhaps, arthritis has set in? If you have visited your vet and confirmed that your dog is actually suffering from such a medical condition, then maybe it’s about time for you to jump in and help your dog out. Or, if you have a breed of pup that’s susceptible, these 5 easy ways to ease his joint pain can also help to prevent it!

Alleviating your Dog’s Joint Problem

Most vets advise dogs with joint pain to let their dogs take a rest combined with adequate diet and possible medications. However, if their pooch’s joint pain still persists even after a long period of time, owners need to start taking necessary actions. Below are some of the great things you can do to give Fido that much needed comfort. Spare your pooch from any more pain as you give him adequate joint lubrication and flexibility.

· Feeding your dog right. Providing your pooch with a diet rich in glucosamine is important to keep his joint health in good condition. Lots of specialty dog foods in many pet stores have glucosamine in them; usually seen with a “joint health formula” label. Although this can be quite pricy, it nonetheless can save you from a cumbersome vet bill along the way.

· Providing Fido exercise. However counter-intuitive it may sound, working a sore joint can actually make your dog’s condition better since regular physical activities can keep his affected joints lubricated. Of course, we are not talking about a rigorous exercise here. A nice walk in a dog park or an easy jog around your neighborhood will suffice. Besides, exercise will also keep his body weight down.

· Giving occasional massage. You can also relieve lots of tension pain in Fido’s joints by applying light pressure on the muscles around his joints. Remember to massage him around, never on, the aching joint itself. Doing this twice a day for one or two minutes will surely make a big difference on your pooch’s condition.

· Trying some acupressure. Squeezing Fido’s achilles heel, the tendon right above your dog’s paw, by the ankle, with the use of your thumb and middle finger will also help in easing the pain your dog is suffering from. Try doing this for half or one hour and your pooch will certainly bliss out.

· Embracing natural remedies. If you can, avoid administering potentially harmful medication. Instead, use various natural supplements by looking for a homeopathic solution that will alleviate Fido’s joint pain as you lubricate his affected junctions, promote flexibility, and enhance your pooch’s own restorative process.

If a member of your (human) family got sick or hurt or had a condition that demanded expert care, you’d ask your doctor for a referral to a specialist—someone who could offer treatments beyond what your GP could provide.

And now, if your dog needs care beyond the scope of your regular veterinarian’s practice, you can do the same thing for him.

Specialists can take over where standard veterinary care leaves off because they have specific education and hands-on experience over and above that of most general practice vets, says Nancy Kay, DVM, a board-certified specialist in small animal internal medicine in Rohnert Park, Calif., and author of Speaking for Spot: Be the Advocate Your Dog Needs to Live a Happy, Healthy, Longer Life (2008). “Veterinary specialists have spent two or more years of in-depth residency training, often receiving one-on-one guidance from clinicians who are experts in their fields,” she says. “That’s where they learn how to deal with challenging cases.”

Veterinary specialists—experts in everything from anesthesia to zoological medicine—were all but unheard of when most of us were young (and romping with the dogs of our childhood). The first specialties were recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) in the 1950s, when the association established the American Board of Veterinary Specialties (ABVS) to serve as an umbrella organization for all AVMA-recognized specialty groups.

Today, the ABVS represents 39 distinct specialties, which are practiced by members of 20 specialty organizations, some of which encompass several disciplines (for example, the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, or ACVIM, covers large and small animal internal medicine, plus oncology, cardiology and neurology). More than 9,000 U.S. veterinarians—roughly 9 percent of all vets in the country—are card-carrying members, or board-certified diplomates, of these organizations. To obtain diplomate status, a vet must complete postgraduate coursework and residency and pass a certification exam. In some cases, that means several years of additional training after vet school.

In addition to the AVMA-recognized specialty groups, a few organizations offer specialized training and certification to vets who have added physical rehabilitation and various types of alternative medicine to their practices. (See sidebar.)

Extra Credit
While the specific requirements for diplomate status vary, virtually all require a veterinarian to take additional coursework and complete an internship (or its equivalent in active veterinary practice).

The expertise demanded of specialty veterinarians is especially important in veterinary medicine, because vets—unlike human doctors—can legally perform any accepted procedure on your dog, says Mitch Robbins, DVM, a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) who practices at the Veterinary Specialty Center in Buffalo Grove, Ill. “If you needed surgery, your doctor is required to refer you to a surgeon,” he says. “He can’t just operate on you himself. But if your dog needs surgery, your regular vet can do it himself. The question isn’t whether he can perform the procedure—it’s whether he is the best person to do it.”

Another issue is equipment—high-tech radiology, neurosurgery and diagnostic machines that specialists have (and general practice vets almost never do). Specialists have received training on this equipment and are well versed in the latest therapies and technologies, says Patty Khuly, VMD, a general-practice veterinarian in Miami, Fla. “They’ve invested in the kinds of equipment that I wouldn’t buy for my practice,” she says. “Of course, there are good and not-so-good specialists just like there are good and not-so-good general practitioners, but, generally speaking, specialists are at least four years ahead of everybody else. Veterinary medicine is advancing very quickly, so four years represents an awful lot.”

Specialization in veterinary medicine is definitely growing, as more pet owners are looking for advanced care and more veterinarians are choosing to tackle it: According to the AVMA, almost 40 percent of 2007’s veterinary school graduates enrolled in targeted post-graduate coursework, internships and residencies, up from just 15 percent in 1995. And despite the current economic situation—and the fact that a specialist will almost always cost more than a family veterinarian (generally about twice as much, says Dr. Robbins)—owners are keeping them busy. They can be found throughout the country, at major veterinary teaching hospitals as well as clinics, many of which offer a few different types of specialty care along with 24-hour emergency services.

When to Get a Specialist
Most often, a specialist will see clients who have been referred by their primary veterinarians, although owners also wind up there after bringing their dogs into a specialty hospital for emergency care.

Most general practice veterinarians will readily suggest a specialist in cases that are beyond their area of expertise, says Dr. Khuly. “A few vets might want to do everything in-house, or they might feel that the client wouldn’t want to see a specialist for financial or other reasons, but most routinely make referrals,” she says. The phenomenon is much like the one in human medicine, she says. “The general practitioner is your go-to person for everyday issues, but the specialist is who you see for more complicated problems.”

For example, your family vet might suggest you see a specialist for treatment of a known disease or condition (such as heart rhythm abnormalities or diabetes), says Dr. Kay. You also might be sent to a specialist if your dog isn’t getting better—or is getting worse—despite the treatment he’s currently getting. Dr. Kay also recommends seeking a specialist for a second opinion, or if you just want to feel more certain about your dog’s care or have a “gut feeling” that he might need more than your family vet can provide.

You also might want to consult a specialist if your dog needs diagnostic procedures beyond the run-of-the-mill temperature readings and blood work that your regular vet provides. For example, endoscopy—a nonsurgical method of evaluating a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal or urinary tract or removing growths or tissue for biopsy—is generally left to the specialists, says Dr. Kay. “Some general practitioners perform endoscopy procedures, but unless they’ve received extensive training, they won’t have nearly the experience that a specialist in internal medicine does.”

Seeking Out Surgeons
By far the most common reason dog owners seek specialists (and the most common reason that general practice vets make referrals) is for surgery. “Most family veterinarians know that they can’t perform a total hip replacement, and they’re not about to take out a big scary cancer mass,” says Dr. Khuly. “They know that they have limits, and so they’ll refer those cases to a surgeon.”

If your veterinarian recommends taking your dog to a surgeon (or if you think you should see one for a second opinion), do your homework—on both the surgeon and the surgery that your vet has recommended—before the consultation, says Dr. Kay. Find out if he’s board certified, and ask about his experience in cases like your dog’s. Be sure to bring your dog’s medical records, including the latest x-rays, lab results and prescriptions, to the appointment.

When you meet with a surgeon, Dr. Robbins recommends asking the following questions:

•Are there any other options that we could consider? What’s the advantage of surgery over nonsurgical options?

•What can I do to ensure that my dog will be a good candidate for this procedure? Are there additional tests that should be performed (such as “staging” of cancer)?

•What are the risks and possible complications? What is the prognosis for my dog, considering his age and overall health?

•What will the aftercare involve? Will my dog need to remain in the hospital immediately after the surgery (and does your hospital provide 24/7 care)? Do I need to buy special equipment, like an orthopedic bed or baby gates for the stairs? How much post-operative rehabilitation will he need and what will it entail?

“In my opinion, any time you’re talking about a surgical procedure that has some complexity to it, the least you should do—at least, what I would do—is talk to a surgeon,” says Dr. Robbins. “The ‘second opinion’ is the basis of specialized medicine in humans, and it’s the best way for you to be an advocate for your dog. You always want to know if there’s something new or better that could be done to manage your dog’s condition and give him a better quality of life.”

Special Interests
Here are some of the more popular specialties, and the conditions that they address.

• Acupuncture. Vets are certified by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) and can treat arthritis and other musculoskeletal problems, plus skin, respiratory and gastrointestinal problems.
• Behavior. Diplomates are certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) and treat behavioral issues, such as aggression or anxiety, that are often tied to a dog’s overall health.
• Canine and Feline Medicine. Diplomates are certified by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP), which offers certification for general practitioners who focus on dogs and cats. (ABVP also certifies equine, dairy, avian and other practices.)
• Chiropractic. Vets are certified by Animal Chiropractic Certification Commission (ACCC) and treat various types of muscle, nerve and joint pain as well as digestive and other internal medicine problems.
• Dentistry. Diplomates are certified by the American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) and treat conditions involving the teeth and mouth.
• Internal medicine. Diplomates are certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) in small or large animal internal medicine, cardiology, oncology or neurology, and treat internal medicine disorders, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer and neurological problems.
• Ophthalmology. Diplomates are certified by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) and treat diseases and injuries involving the eye.
• Radiology. Diplomates are certified by the American College of Veterinary Radiology (ACVR) and provide imaging services or cancer treatment (radiation oncologists).
• Physical Rehabilitation. Vets are certified by the Canine Rehabilitation Institute and provide physical rehabilitation after accidents or surgery.
  

Second Opinion Etiquette
Going for a second opinion? Nancy Kay, DVM, Diplomate, ACVIM, and author of Speaking for Spot  tells us how to serve our dogs’ best interests as well as maintain harmony with his health care team.

• If your primary-care veterinarian didn’t provide the referral, be sure to let her know what you’re doing. (Plus, how else will the specialist have access to your dog’s medical records?) Avoid the impulse to “sneak out” for a second opinion for fear of hurting your vet’s feelings. Unless she’s fresh out of school, this won’t be the first time a client has requested another opinion, and it won’t be the last. Remember, your vet’s foremost concern should be your dog’s health, not her own feelings. This is part of the oath we all take when we enter the profession.
• Arrive early for the appointment with the specialist. There will be paperwork to complete, which can be a 10- to 15-minute process, or even longer if the receptionist is busy.
• Have a legible copy of your dog’s recent and relevant medical records, including all laboratory data, imaging studies (x-rays, ultrasound evaluations, CT and MRI scans), ECGs (electrocardiogram tracings) and doctor’s notes. It really helps when this material is arranged in chronological order. Icing on the cake is a legible summary prepared by your family vet. Remember, a stack of invoices is not a substitute for your dog’s medical record.
• Bring all of your dog’s current and recent medications so the specialist can read the actual prescription labels. Just like human doctors, vets often have lousy handwriting, so details from a printed label are usually more reliable.
• As tempting as it may be to tell the specialist everything your family vet has told you, hold back and give her a chance to draw her own conclusions by asking her own questions.

 

Cancer Fighting Foods for Dogs BY DOGGEEK 



A DogGeek.com exclusive by Teresa Barker

It’s estimated that nearly one in three dogs will be affected by cancer, and of those affected, nearly half will die. Because of these alarming rates, it’s important to know what kinds of foods may support your dog’s health and even reduce their risk. Many of the great “superfoods” beneficial to your dog’s health are also “superfoods” for you. So have fun incorporating new healthy snacks into your dog’s diet, and please pass the blueberries!

The Heavy-Hitters (foods high in vitamins, carotenoids, and bioflavonoids)
Carrots, apples (no cores, stems or seeds), berries (no stems), celery, figs, tomatoes, and apricots (no pits) are all fantastic. Always opt for organic, as consuming the chemicals sprayed on “conventional” produce defeats the purpose. Also, avoid onions, grapes, raisins, and chocolate.

Going Green
All dark, leafy greens, grasses, and plants (like broccoli) are fantastic for you both! Gently steaming veggies, or using a food processor helps your dog digest them easier, allowing their bodies to absorb the maximum amount of nutrients and chlorophyll. As long as you don’t spray your lawn with chemicals or pesticides, even your grass can be a good source of chlorophyll. Spinach, kale, parsley, asparagus, wheatgrass, and algea (yes, algea) are all at the top of their class in the chlorophyll department. Again, always opt for organic.

Gradually adding nutritious, cancer-fighting foods into your dog’s daily routine can be fun and easy, and may just motivate you to add them to your own diet. If you’re already starting your day with a green drink and eating veggies with every meal, it will be easy to share with your pooch, knowing how it might just save her life! Start slowly and try using whole, fresh foods in place of processed snacks. In no time, your dog will be begging for carrots!

Recognizing Valued Members of the Veterinary Health Care TeamIn the United States and Canada, veterinary technicians and animal health technologists are being recognized the week of October 14–20, 2012, as important members of the animal health care team. These dedicated individuals work in veterinary medicine throughout both countries, and are extremely important to providing high-quality patient care.




During this week, we express our appreciation and acknowledge and congratulate all veterinary technicians and animal health technologists for all they do to enhance the health and well-being of animals.

“Veterinary technicians are becoming more and more integral to the veterinary health care team,” says Dr. Kelly Black, director of Distance Education for the Veterinary Technology Program (DEVTP) at Cedar Valley College in Lancaster, Texas.

United States Veterinary Technician’s Oath

I solemnly dedicate myself to aiding animals and society by providing excellent care and services for animals, by alleviating animal suffering, and promoting public health. I accept my obligations to practice my profession conscientiously and with sensitivity, adhering to the profession’s Code of Ethics, and furthering my knowledge and competence through a commitment to lifelong learning.

“While the veterinarians are the ones making decisions on what treatments or diagnostics each patient needs, the technicians are the ones that are performing these tasks. Veterinary technicians’ responsibilities can range from a basic physical exam to administering and monitoring anesthesia,” Black notes.

Veterinary and animal health technicians are taught the basic principles of normal and abnormal health parameters needed to handle and care for all kinds of animals. Tasks they perform include drawing blood and running blood tests, analyzing biological samples like skin scrapings and urinalysis, cleaning teeth, giving medications, dressing wounds, applying splints and performing ear flushes.

“Technicians are frequently the first point of contact for clients and a major source of high-quality client education. They are trained to give information in preventative health care and recommendations that will help keep pets healthy.

“They increase the health care of pets in the hospital that are sick or undergoing surgery, by being able to monitor each pet for problems while the veterinarian is seeing other patients or doing procedures,” Black says.

Technicians also assist veterinarians during surgical procedures by placing catheters, providing equipment and instruments, and making sure the monitoring and support equipment is working properly.

They’re trained to run anesthesia and to monitor patients, recording multiple parameters including pulse, temperature, respiration and blood pressure. They maintain treatment and medical records, drug inventory, equipment and supplies, and help with many other tasks in the veterinary practice.

Some of the only things they can’t do are diagnose, perform surgery and prescribe medications. “Technicians are involved in some way in every aspect of veterinary care for every procedure performed in a veterinary hospital,” says Black.

Before veterinary technician training programs were created in the 1960s, veterinarians did most of the work themselves or hired students and office workers to feed the animals, clean cages, help answer phones and run the office. As animal health care and technology has evolved, there’s been an increased need for well-educated and trained technicians to take on greater responsibilities in the veterinary hospital.

“I have seen the role of technicians expand greatly in the last 10–15 years,” Black says. “In the last 2 decades, there has been a great expansion of not only the duties of technicians, but their education as well.”

A desire to work with animals is what draws individuals to become veterinary technicians. And getting an education and training is an important part of becoming a veterinary technician. Credentialed veterinary and animal health technicians must earn a 2-year associate’s or higher degree in veterinary technology from an accredited school.

Courses include intensive study in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, clinical techniques, pharmacology, anesthesiology, surgical and medical nursing, radiology, parasitology and clinical pathology.

Students must also pass an in-depth national or state examination, and demonstrate specific knowledge and skills competency to become credentialed.

In the United States, credentialed veterinary technicians are registered (RVT), licensed (LVT) or certified (CVT), depending on their state’s requirements. In Canada, a veterinary technician is called an animal health technician (AHT), and some provinces require technicians to be registered (RAHT).

To maintain their credentialed status, technicians are also required to practice lifelong learning through continuing education and to uphold high ethical standards.

Veterinary medicine has evolved to the point where the same high-tech options for testing and treating illnesses and diseases for people are available for our pets. Depending on their scope of practice and training, veterinary technicians may operate diagnostic screening equipment, including electrocardiographic (ECG), radiographic (X-ray) and ultrasonographic instruments, and even more advanced diagnostic machines like computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imagers (MRI) and gamma cameras.

Credentialed veterinary technicians can work in a variety of areas, including animal hospitals, laboratories, universities, animal shelters, research facilities and corporations, like drug companies and animal food firms.

“We have seen the rise of specialties within the profession where technicians can gain advanced knowledge and training in more specialized areas such as behavior, anesthesia or a species specialty,” says Black.

Advanced training is available for a veterinary technician who wants to become a veterinary technician specialist (VTS). Becoming a VTS requires additional training to receive credentials in one of the 10 specialties recognized by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (navta.net) and described by the Veterinary Technician website (veterinarytechnician.com/specialties):

• Anesthesia specialty technicians use anesthesia and pain medications to lessen or eliminate discomfort during medical procedures. Their duties include preparing and administering anesthesia under the veterinarian’s supervision, adjusting drug dosages as necessary during surgery and assisting animals with recovery from anesthesia.
• Surgical specialty technicians assist with common surgical procedures such as orthopedic or soft-tissue surgeries and maintain the operating and recovery areas, clean and prepare surgical instruments and medical equipment, administer anesthesia or other presurgery medications, and perform postsurgical care.
• Internal medicine specialty technicians usually pursue a subspecialty, such as cardiology, neurology or oncology, or focus specifically on large or small animals.
• Dental specialty technicians provide dental services to all types of animals, usually under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
• Emergency and critical care specialty technicians work in hospitals or urgent care settings addressing emergencies, and observe and treat animals with critical illnesses.
• Behavior specialty technicians facilitate human–animal cooperation and bonding, from domestic pet training to working with zoos and wildlife. Specialists can also focus on animal therapy, behavior modification, or research and education.
• Zoo specialty technicians are trained in all aspects of zoological medicine, from basic health care to dentistry and diagnostic work.
• Equine specialty technicians focus on horse health and wellness, which usually requires certain physical abilities to handle and treat horses.
• Clinical practice specialty technicians typically work in private practice, specializing in canines and felines, exotic companion animals or farm animals.
• Nutrition specialty technicians specialize in basic animal nutrition, along with providing additional care related to food allergies and special nutritional needs.

“I think the future for veterinary technicians looks very bright. Most states (and provinces) either have, or are moving toward recognizing veterinary technicians as the professionals they are and requiring licensure or certification for them,” says Black.

“The veterinary profession as a whole is just starting to realize the benefits of having highly trained technicians and seeing that those veterinary practices that employ technicians have higher productivity and higher client satisfaction.

“Because this is a relatively young profession, there is a great vacuum that needs to be filled by capable professionals. Clients are demanding higher-quality health care for their pets, and technicians are the key to that. There are so many areas that technicians contribute to in the veterinary industry that the job possibilities are quite varied and extensive.”

Coping with Storm Anxiety
 By Honor Tarpenning, NextDayPets.com Staff

Does your dog panic in the hours before and during a thunderstorm? Storm anxiety can be displayed with relatively minor symptoms like trembling, panting, and drooling; more intense symptoms like hiding, whining, and inappropriate elimination; or even extreme symptoms like destructive behavior, and self injury. It is estimated that one third of dogs exhibit some form of storm anxiety.

It is not known exactly what part of a thunderstorm triggers dogs with storm anxiety; whether it’s the wind, rain, thunder, lightening, ionization, drop in barometric pressure, or the low-frequency rumbles that precede a storm. It has, however, been established that certain dogs are more susceptible to this form of anxiety. Many experts believe that herding breeds, hound breeds, and working breeds are more likely to develop this form of anxiety. It is believed that these dogs, as a result of breeding, react quickly to outside stimuli, but suppress certain undesirable responses. They suppress their aggressive response to the storm, and this manifests in anxiety. It is also widely accepted that rescued dogs are more susceptible to this and other forms of anxiety due to abuse, lack of socialization, and other unpleasant experiences endured prior to adoption.

Some dogs have relatively minor reactions to storm anxiety, but even owners of these dogs should pursue relief of symptoms because it has been found that limited reactions this storm season can lead to escalated reactions next season and eventually, even more generalized fears, like the fear of loud noises over time.


How Can I Help?

As with any other behavior or health issue with your dog, it is best to start with a trip to the vet. Your vet will help you ascertain that storm anxiety is the only anxiety disorder present in your dog. If your pooch is suffering from separation anxiety or obsessive compulsive disorder, the treatment and possible medications your vet will suggest will be different. It won’t do any good to just treat your dog for storm anxiety if the problem is actually rooted in another, more general type of anxiety all together.

Your vet may recommend one of several kinds of medications. Prophylactic medications help keep the anxiety response from happening at all, these include anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications. Your vet may also recommend a sedative to use on an as-needed basis, to be taken in the hours before a storm comes to relax your dog. There are also many homeopathic, holistic, and herbal remedies that can help relax your dog. Some of these medications include HomeoPet Anxiety and Sleepy Time Calming Tonic.

Although all these forms of medication can be extremely beneficial, experts maintain that a multimodal approach is best. This means that you can’t just medicate your dog and hope the problem will go away; you also have to focus on behavioral therapy to truly take care of the problem.

Desensitization therapy is one widely recognized method of controlling storm anxiety. This consists of playing a CD of storm noises on low volume, and teaching your dog to associate these sounds with positive feelings. The dog is praised and rewarded for calm, relaxed behavior and as he grows more and more comfortable with the sounds, the volume is increased. This is continued until even very loud claps of thunder cease to phase your dog. There are mixed feelings in the training community about this kind of behavior therapy. First of all, this must be done under the direction of a vet or dog behavior expert. Those who do not have a complete understanding of the fear response in dogs can inadvertently make the dog’s storm phobia worse. Also, some believe that since a CD only mimics the sound of a storm, and does not address the whole sensory experience, it is not as beneficial as one would hope. Despite this incredulity, however, most believe that even if desensitization therapy does not completely stop a dog’s storm anxiety, it does teach the dog to associate the sounds of a storm with positive feelings of comfort, safety, and reward, which is at the very least a step in the right direction.

Another way to help your anxious dog is to minimize the sensory factors of a storm. One can turn up the radio or tv, and shut the blinds. You can also teach your dog to find comfort in a “safe zone” like a closet or kennel covered with blankets with a den-like feel which dogs instinctively seek for safety.

It is also helpful to distract your dog when storms are imminent. Provide stuffable toys, like Kongs filled with your dog’s favorite snacks, plugged with peanut butter, and then frozen. Furthermore, you can leash your dog and lead him around the house, requiring him to perform tasks like going through a homemade obstacle course, and rewarding him for their completion. It is important that you not reward your dog for frightened, anxious behavior, so giving him tasks and rewarding good behavior is a great way to distract him and reinforce calm behavior. A storm is a great time for an easy, laid back training session, which will distract your dog. Try working on commands your dog knows well like sit and down.

During storms, use your playtime voice; be high pitched and excited. When you try to coddle your dog, snuggling him and speaking to him in gentle, reassuring tones, you are, in fact, rewarding his fearful behavior. When you allow yourself to be overly concerned for your frightened dog, holding him like a baby and telling him he’s going to be ok, you are effectively justifying his fear. However, if you act fun and playful, as if everything is completely normal, he will pick up on this care-free demeanor and see that there is nothing to be scared of.

Never crate a frightened dog or lock him in a room. A dog in panic mode can seriously injure himself trying to escape a frightening situation. There have been dogs who have destroyed “indestructible” crates, and plowed through plate glass windows to escape confinement when in a panic. Restricting the dog to a particular room or garage during storms will also teach the dog to associate that room with fear and relegation. It is also important that you NEVER punish a dog for fear reactions, even if they eliminate in the house or rip down your drapes; they are not acting out or misbehaving on purpose.

Storm anxiety is not necessarily a life-long disorder. Some dogs don’t develop storm anxiety until later in life. If your dog or puppy is not frightened of storms, reinforce this behavior every chance you get. Whenever storms come, make a habit of storm time being play time. Break out the same super-fun toy every time the dark clouds start to close in and your pup will learn to associate storms with extra-special play time.

Just as with any other training-related issue, you won’t see results over night as you try to help your dog through storm anxiety. As long as you remember to be patient, consistent, and understanding, and follow the advice of your veterinarian, your dog will learn to accept storms as a part of life, and learn to relax and go with the flow.

©2012, Next Day Pets, L.L.C.