The start of summer is often marked by severe weather, flooding, and tornadoes. It is crucial to have a plan for your animals to make sure you are prepared for a possibility of an emergency. In addition, some animals have an underlying phobia of storms which can make for a stressful season for you and your pet. Below are some tips for combating storm-related anxiety and being as prepared as possible for the coming storms.Emergency plan
In the event of a severe weather issue, your pet should not be forgotten. Many pets break out of their fences or homes during a storm and end up getting lost. It is imperative that you have your pet micro chipped so that they may more easily be returned to you. A good emergency protocol for your pet is to make sure that they have a collar on with identification. Also, one should have a leash or even a crate available to restrain your pet should a disaster strike in your area. If you have a basement shelter, be sure to stock it with items for your pet such as water, food, a cage, and flashlights.Thunder shirt
Available online and through some retailers, a thunder shirt is a snug-fitting jacket that mimics a hug for a dog. The effect is to sooth the animal even when a person is not available to offer comfort. It is such a simple concept but it works tremendously. The most important thing is to measure the dog according to the manufacturer recommendations to ensure that the shirt will fit snuggly.Nutraceuticals
Nutritional supplements, or nutraceuticals, that aid in treating conditions such as anxiety are becoming a useful treatment option. Check with your veterinarian for the best available products available over the counter for the treatment of anxiety.Royal Canin offers a commercially available food called "Calm" that is designed to help provide a calming effect to the dog. This food contains tryptophan, a hydrolyzed milk protein, which is an amino acid that helps to restore changes in mood in the brain. When fed to an animal, this food provides a long term solution to anxiety. It is easier for some owners because the calming effect is constant, negating the need for the owner to rush home and administer a medication.
Some manufacturers are now offering "natural" anxiety treatments such as NutriCalm which contain tryptophan, valarian, catnip, and other calming ingredients. These products are typically used on as as-needed basis, meaning just prior to the storm.
Medicines
While not ideal to medicate an animal for anxiety, there are some cases where medicine can be given in conjunction with other treatments initially and then the animal weaned off of the medicine. There are long-term and short-term anxiolytics which provide relief from storms and other anxieties. A drug should never be given to a pet without full consultation with a veterinarian as some medicines are sedatives as opposed to anxiolytics and can be unsafe for pets with underlying conditions.Pheromones
Released by all creatures, pheromones are naturally produced substances that send silent messages to other members of the same species. In the animal industry, they have managed to re-create the pheromone that dogs and cats produce during the birthing process to calm the puppies and kittens respectively. These compounds are available embedded in collars, as a spray for an environment, and in a plug-in adapter. Though not strong enough to sedate an animal, it will help to assuage an anxiety.Desensitization and counter conditioning
A longer term solution with more effort involved includes slowly introducing the source of anxiety to the pet in an attempt to remove the fear over time. There are commercially available recordings of thunderstorm that can be played and associated with more pleasant situations. Starting with the volume on low and giving your pet a treat or rewarding them with play can help an animal overcome fear. Animals respond well to routines and can find solace in knowing that you have a plan for them during a storm. Some animals like a small, dark, quiet area for their respite. A closet, laundry room, or bathroom can help. When the recording is being played, rehearse your pet's safe plan with them so they will associate that safe area with the start of the stimulus. If the anxiety is severe, this method is not recommended without combining it with other means of calming.| Dr. Abby Deuel, Veterinarian Deuel Veterinary Services, P.C. 2047 N Broadway Ave Salem, IL 62881 Phone: 618-548-6755 Fax : 618-548-6855 deuelveterinaryservices.com |
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This article originally appeared in the July 2013 edition of the Holistic Touch Therapy Newsletter.