Question:
We have a nine-year-old female Jack Russell terrier who is terrified of loud noises, especially thunderstorms. How can we let her know it’s okay?
Concerned, Wellington NSW.
Answer:
Noise phobias are a very common problem in dogs. It’s very frightening for them and what they’re experiencing is essentially a panic attack. Often they’ll hurt themselves trying to escape the noise, and can get out onto the roads or get lost.
Dogs have much more sensitive hearing than us, and detect storms hours before we do. Watch the weather forecast and try not to leave her alone, if possible, during these events.
Your vet can prescribe some anti-anxiety medication for her, and a program for desensitising her to the noises.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Sponsored by %%sponsor_name%%
Native ad body.
Sponsored by %%sponsor_name%%
Native ad body.
Sponsored by %%sponsor_name%%
Native ad body.
Sponsored by %%sponsor_name%%