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Monsoon thunder, lightning among Fido’s biggest pet peeves

By Tara Drach

It’s raining cats and dogs and the Kyrene Corridor’s four-legged residents aren’t happy about it.

Gusty winds, flashes of lightning, loud thunder and heavy rain associated with the monsoon season can be extremely frightening to our furry loved ones.

Pets often display behavior such as digging, chewing, hiding, barking or howling before and during a monsoon storm.

The key to helping Fluffy or Fido survive another monsoon season is to calm your pets’ fears and to prepare them before the storm rolls in.

“The other night, right before a monsoon, I was walking three of my dogs,” said Julie Seal, a Kyrene Corridor resident and founder of R.E.S.C.U.E.

“Many of my neighbors have outdoor dogs, and as usual, during our walk, many of them were barking.”

However, something in the animals was different that night, said Seal.

“They were making different noises. The barking was higher pitched, even frantic in some cases, almost anxious. Many dogs were whining,” she says.

“There was no thunder, no lightning and no rain, but the dogs could sense the upcoming storm.”

Another animal enthusiast agrees.

“No one really knows if pets are scared of the thunder, lightning, rain, wind, drop in air pressure or electrical charge in the air,” said Cheryl Weiner, vice president of the Arizona Animal Welfare League.

But they can be frightened just the same.

No matter how many tricks your pet knows, he still lacks the reasoning power to determine where the loud sounds and perceived danger from a monsoon storm comes from. As a pet owner, it’s up to you to do his reasoning for him.

“Most people don’t realize that the fear of thunderstorms is one of the most common fear-related behaviors in dogs,” said Weiner.

Obviously, the safest place for a pet during monsoon storms is indoors.

Not only will pets be protected from the outside elements; having them inside keeps them from running away. Many dogs will hop over or dig under a fence in an attempt to escape the perceived danger.

“After a monsoon storm there is a major influx of animals in the pounds,” said Seal, founder of the East Valley-based organization R.E.S.C.U.E., which saves dogs and cats from euthanasia at the county pounds, spays or neuters them and then adopts them out to loving families.

“I choose to keep my pets inside during storms,” said Seal.

“I really do live by the philosophy that pets are family members. The best way to keep them safe is to keep them near you. To me, this only makes sense and it’s a win/win situation. You’re enjoying their company while they are enjoying yours.”

If your pet is still bothered by the storm once inside, experts recommend creating a “safe haven” within your home. Observe where your pet goes when it is nervous or scared. Make sure that this area is readily available during monsoon season.

If your dog normally uses a crate, experts advise that the door be left open and that the dog should not be forced or locked into the crate.

In case it escapes during a storm, your pet should be wearing current identification at all times.

And remember: monsoon storms often roll in late in the afternoon while many of us are still at work. Keep this in mind when leaving in the morning and make sure your pet has access to the indoors and its safe haven.

If you notice your pet is beginning to display nervous behavior before or during a monsoon, distract him with any activity that captures his attention.

However, experts advise not to “overprotect” pets during storms. This can reinforce their fears.

In addition, animals pick up on their owner’s fears. By remaining calm during monsoons, your behavior is more likely to have a positive effect on your dog and decrease its apprehension.

Many experts recommend the desensitization technique to help pets cope with their monsoon fears. This method involves exposing the animal to the event and counter-conditioning it to behave differently.

Purchase a cassette tape with storm sounds or record the next monsoon storm. Play the recording very quietly and then pick a fun activity to participate in with your pet.

Gradually increase the volume as you continue to offer positive reinforcement. Eventually, your pet will begin to associate good things with the previously feared sound.

Behaviorists stress that this method should be done gradually. Animal behavioral specialists may also be able to help pets with severe fears and phobias related to monsoons.

If your pet still can’t cope, consult your veterinarian about prescription or herbal medication and further behavioral methods.

With these tips, hopefully the next couple of stormy months will be easier for you and your furry friends.

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