Pets need comfort, too

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Jun 14, 2004 by Capital-Journal

RIDING OUT STORMS

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ANTHONY S. BUSH/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Several steps can be taken to help train pets not to be fearful of storms. Comforting them during a storm and providing them a place to hide will help alleviate their anxiety.

QUICK SUGGESTIONS

- Provide a place for the pet to hide or burrow.

- Provide chew toys for dogs.

- Consider a homeopathic remedy.

- Condition the animal to feel safe.

- Get professional help if needed.

By Brandy Nance

THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Spring storms can mean stress for furry friends. The sound of thunder and flashing lights scares some animals, making spring and summer a stressful time for them.

There are some ways that pet owners can help their pets cope and ride out storms with less tension.

For dogs, it is important to remember they are den animals and like to be in enclosed spaces when they are scared, said Will Harper, a dog trainer at Speciality Dog Training, 5501 S.W. 29th.

Harper suggested that dog owners provide their dogs with a safe place to go, such as a kennel. A chew toy or blanket and soft bedding can be placed in the kennel to help the dog feel more secure.

"Get them in the kennel and feed them there," he said. "Find something that makes them feel comfortable. The best thing to do is to make them as comfortable as possible."

Dogs also can be conditioned to become more comfortable during storms, Harper said. This can be accomplished by getting a tape that contains thunder on it and gradually increasing the volume so the dog gets used to the sound of thunder. Such tapes can be found in pet magazines or on relaxation tapes that feature thunderstorms.

Some dogs can have severe reactions to storms and tear things up when they get frightened. For these dogs, the only guarantee they aren't going to tear things up is to put them in a kennel, Harper said.

Cats often react differently than dogs.

"Interestingly, cats don't seem to experience the levels of fear of storms that dogs do. However, for some, it is quite traumatic," said Susan Schmitz, of the Cat Association of Topeka, 5324 S.W. 17th.

Cats need to be allowed to do what makes them feel safe, said Krista Miller, kennel manager at CAT.

"Find a place where they feel safe," Miller said. "Cats generally feel safer in smaller areas, rather than out in the open. They like to hide. Let them do that."

Miller and Schmitz also suggest a homeopathic remedy called Rescue Remedy that CAT sells. It can be used for cats and dogs. Drops of the solution are placed into the pets' water bowl and help aid in calming down the animal.

"While it's not effective on all animals, I've seen some remarkable changes in stress levels and behaviors," Schmitz said.

Schmitz has two cats that are afraid of storms, she said. One hides in the basement, and the other hides in the back of the closet with a towel.

"When the storm is over, they both emerge looking like they're too cool for words," Schmitz said.

Brandy Nance can be reached at (785) 295-1209 or brandy.nance@cjonline.com.