05.27.15
Storm Phobia
Well! Adelaide is 3 years old, and has overnight developed a phobia of lightning storms. 🙁
Last night I went to find her, and found her in the small hallway to the garage. At first, I thought she looked guilty and had been trying to get into the dog food. It was dinner time, and I fed the dogs and figured that would take care of her strange behavior. But she didn’t eat and went straight back to the hall. My next guess was that she needed to go outside. It was raining and lightning, but if she needed to go, she needed to go. Out in the rain we went. And she didn’t seem to be paying attention to the storm. I, however, was a little concerned that lightning might decide that me and my umbrella were a good target. Adelaide did her business and we headed back inside. BAM, she headed straight back to the hall. I decided next to just leave her be a bit, but then I could hear her trying to squeeze through the cat door inside the pet gate (which she can fit). I coaxed her into the living room with me, and brought her up on my lap to hold her like I used to do with Brendol when B’s farts had her terrified. But that didn’t last either, and she got down and went back to the hall.
Final option was to pack everyone up and go up to bed. As soon as she got up there, she laid down on the bed and was more comfortable, but kept giving a worried gaze toward the window. Then she jumped down. Well, she often sleeps on the floor for half the night, so I just waited. When I checked on her later, she had crawled under the bed to sleep. She spent all night under the bed.
We had more storms today, so I mentioned it to the pet sitter to keep an eye on her. When I picked her up, sure enough… when it was storming, she hid in their bedroom. SO, ADDY HAS STORM PHOBIA NOW.
May 27, 2015 at 1:19 am
🙁 Oh no Addy. I am sorry the storms are scaring you. I wish I knew how to help. Maybe mom can get you a thunder shirt? I haven’t ever had that problem with any of my babies so I don’t know if they work or not
Thinking of you
Hugs
Michelle & Angel Sassy
May 27, 2015 at 2:16 am
Pooor baby…. I was going to suggest a thunder shirt also. It really helps some of Jasper’s phobias … we don’t get storms like that but she will hide for random things. They help her w/the fireworks … but also hiding in nooks, like Addy, also help her ride it out. Poor baby.
Hugs
May 27, 2015 at 4:00 am
Ahhhh, Addy, Kodi feels your pain and it’s no fun. When I got his thunder shirt it had a 30 money back guarantee, but of course it didn’t storm then for 30 days! I’m not sure if it helps him, or just makes me feel like I’m doing something for him. I do know that I have to get to on him before the storm is in full swing, or he’s too far gone for it to do any good. Also, do some research on essential oils…you can rub some of them on their neck, or bottom of feet for calming. I have a Pinterest page dedicated to pets and oils. Good luck.
Paula and Kodi
May 27, 2015 at 6:20 pm
What worked for Harmony may (or may not) work for you.
Harmony’s phobia was really bad. Even my dog sitters would call concerned about her reaction to storms. So, I got her favorite squeaky toy and her favorite treat and played her favorite game at the sound of the first rumble. I had to do this more than once, but it finally worked and she never displayed the fear again.
I think a Thundershirt works on the same principle as swaddling an infant to bring it security. Maybe you can get an Ace bandage and wrap her up real snug to see if she’ll respond.
I hope you find what works for Addy. xoxo
May 27, 2015 at 8:25 pm
Well, I have to LAME your .other for this!!! Why you ask?? Because had she brought you to the Virginia Tripawd Pawty where the weather was BEAUTIFUL and not a thunder storm in sight, you never would have developed this phobia!!!
That real l y is crazy that this just happened out of the blue!! Ivew forgotten who it was, but someone played heavy metal “music” during thunderstorms and there dogs remained calm! Then others said they tried it and it worked for them!
Brendol’s farts terrified Addy??? OMD!!! Too funny! Mayve it wasn’t the thu derstorm at all! Maybe she her Brendol poot all the way from the Bridge!!!
Even looking scared, Addy is a beautiful girl!!!
Sending lots of love and hugs!!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
May 28, 2015 at 1:11 am
Sally,
You’re too funny. Brendol’s farts didn’t scare Addy. Brendol’s farts scared Brendol! 😉
May 28, 2015 at 2:43 am
Brendol’s own farts scared her??? Toooo funny!! Had you filmed that you woukd have won big bucks from “America’s Funniest Home Videos”!
Now that’s a one of a kind memory that I doubt many others share!