Readers Respond: Fireworks and Thunder - Noise Phobias - Share What Works for Your Pet

In the Pets and Fireworks article, common noise phobia signs and behavior modification tips were offered. What worked with your pet for making it through fireworks and thunderstorms? Please share your tips and firework/thunderstorm stories here.

Don't miss: Summer Hazards - Readers Respond for general summer health tips. Share What Worked

Distraction from Thunderstorm

My little toy Shimoodle can sense a thunderstorm at least half an hour before it arrives. She sits frozen and starts trembling and panting. I've used Rescue Remedy and Aspen to calm her, but the best results were when I got her favorite toy out and started getting excited about it and tossing it for her to retrieve. After a few thunderstorms and playing, she no longer seems to have any adverse reaction to thunderstorms. She has never been not bothered by trains or fireworks, just thunderstorms - so it is not a loud noise issue - more like an unpleasant change in atmospheric conditions that she is sensitive to.

—Guest Djana

ear protectors

I am a music teacher and found that last year I would be expected to teach drum lessons. On the first day, I walked in with my new guide dog to a classroom which contained, among other things, a full drum set and an enthusiastic adolescent boy who hadn't learned (and apparently didn't want to) that you don't have to play fortissimo all the time. My gentle guide, normally quite adaptable, freaked. I didn't want to try medication that might have side effects or cause her to be less able to work. On the other hand, I couldn't avoid drum students. Desperate, I found online about Mutt Muffs. I'm not kidding. They were invented by a pilot who wanted to take her small dog in the cockpit of her single engine plane. They are supposed to reduce noise in the dog's environment by 30 db. They come in various sizes. There have been mixed results with thunderstorms but my dog tolerates the muffs well, they do seem to reduce ambient noise, including drums and high frequency instrument sounds

—inugirl

Fear of Thunder and Fireworks

My greyhound, Lilly, was terrified of all noises. I found that putting a t-shirt on her shortly before the storm arrived helped considerably. Just slip the shirt over the dogs head, front legs through the arm holes then lift it up and tie it in a knot on the back so they don't trip on the shirt. It wasn't a complete cure, but did seem to calm her some.

—Guest Cheri R

Thunder!!!

To add to my earlier post...We've pretty much resolved the train noise phobia, thunder we're still working on. But, it is getting better. I think longterm behavior-related efforts work better than short-term medication, except in extreme cases:) They take more work, though. There's no easy fix.

—Guest Tamara

Helping my Dog Cope with Thunderstorms

I try to be home if a thunderstorm is forecast. Maeve, my Newfoundland, reacts to storms with anger. She barks at the thunder and lightening. She does not get destructive. So it's mainly working to calm her down. I live far enough away from the municipal fireworks that they don't scare her, nor do the small bangs from illegal fireworks purchased by children and adults in the neighborhood.

—Packingpadre

Vacate

My house is less than one mile from our city park where they have fireworks on the 3rd of July. My little "Shid Zu" is scared to death of fireworks, so we leave the area until they are over. That's the easiest way for him and me, being that his first encounter was a complete disaster. Roy form West Point, UT

—Guest Roy Christian

For The Stressed Companion Animal

I use 'Bach's Rescue Remedy' for my 2 dogs -- I swear by this stuff. You can use the original for humans that is in an alcohol base. But, there is a new one specifically created for your companion with a glycerin base and a curved tip dropper. Dogs, cats, birds... any little critter can take it! There is no flavor and it can be used by dropping directly in the mouth, on a treat or in drinking water. It safely helps my girls through the stress of thunderstorms, fireworks, vet visits, new surroundings etc. I use it for anything that is a stressor for my girls. It can be taken in without affecting any medications and without fear of over-dosing.

—Guest JULESRS007

Longterm Behavior Modification

We have a train near our apt. and my cat hates loud sounds. But, while thunder still terrifies her, the train doesn't anymore. I've tried to not make a big deal about it, but still reassure her whenever it whistles. Over time, I think she's learned that, though it may hurt her ears, it won't hurt her physically. She usually looks at me for reassurance when she hears it, then goes back to sleep or whatever she was doing:)

—Guest Tamara