Q. Perhaps you have come across a solution for thunderstorm-phobic dogs, which my hound is to an extraordinary extent. Even Xanax doesn’t help him! He thinks storms are in the apartment and we have to sit in the lobby whenever there is one.
A. We have a friend whose dog is also afraid of thunder. Here’s how he copes: “Having a dog that is afraid of thunder means that a year in its life takes seven off yours. We’ve had some limited success in helping our dog Lucy survive the bolts that she is sure are directed at her.
“Snug wrapping helps. Since we had trouble with Ace-type bandages, we got a doggie sweatshirt. We put it on when we first see her exhibit symptoms of thunder nervousness.
“Comfort Zone spray from Farnam Pet Products has worked recently, producing a real calming effect. I apply a spritz on the neck of her sweatshirt. Active Ingredient: ‘DAP,’ or ‘Dog Appeasing Pheromone.’ I don’t know what it is, but look for it at: http://www.farnampet.com.
“What really works best is driving. I drove through a thunderstorm with her in the back seat, and she was not bothered at all.”
