How can I help my dog get over his fear of thunder?

It’s very common for a dog to be afraid of thunder, but there are ways to help your pup overcome his fear. You can try to desensitize him by playing a CD of storm noises while doing something he enjoys. But be careful not to make the problem worse by rewarding the dog for his fear. It’s better to distract a whining dog than to pat him – the attentiononly reinforces bad behavior.

If behavioral training doesn’t help your dog, have him assessed to see if he has a general anxiety problem. Treatment for anxiety usually involves behavior modification and pharmacological intervention. So if your dog is truly terrified, ask your veterinarian about prescription medication that promotes calmness.

– Dr. Andrea Looney, DVM for the “Purina® Animal Instincts” Podcast Series

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