Sydney Watching Chickens
Right now I am sitting on the couch with my 50 pound Border Collie mix named Syndey clinging to me. Actually it is more like she is sitting on top of me. Yes, the thunder is rolling and the lightening is striking. She is terrified of both. She is such a sensitive and smart dog. But she just can’t take the noise. Plus, she has learned that thunder follows lightening. Our house is full of windows so it is hard for her to escape the flashes.
I feel terrible for Sydney. The only comfort she gets is if hubby or I are holding her. Let me tell you a 50 pound dog gets heavy after awhile!
When we first moved here from California the veterinarian prescribed a sedative to use during storms. We did this for awhile but I hated seeing her drugged up. Plus, most of the the thunderstorms are pop-up storms which aren’t easily predictable. It turns out that the medication was making Sydney more terrified. She could still hear the activity but was too out of it to do anything about it. I believe this led to more panic during future storms.
We have not drugged Sydney for the last two years. She still gets very upset (and climbs all over us) but her barking has decreased. She used to bark every time the thunder cracked- not fun in the middle of the night.
In a way Sydney is like our own weather predictor! She can sense a storm and hear the thunder way before we can. We just let her inside the house and keep her as calm as possible.
I would love to hear your stories about pets and thunderstorms. Do you have any tips for scared dogs?
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My doggie “Tinker” is so afraid of storms, even the rain. I just ordered her a Thundershirt this weekend. (Thundershirt.com)
I’ve read great things about them, I will let you know if it works when I get it. I was $36 and I found a coupon code for free shipping for $5.95. I hope it works. I feel so sad for her when it storms.
Hi Jan,
I have heard about the Thundershirt before. Please let me know what you think! It would be worth it if it works!
We have a rescue Lhasa, Stewart, who is so afraid of storms. He would hide under the bed or pace back and forth. I would worry about him being home alone, well we have 7 other Lhasa’s, but without Mom and Dad. Since our last litter, he has become more and more protective of these babies and they do not like storms at all. Just last week we had a storm go through while we were at work and when I got home he had jumped over the gate, opened the door where the other dogs are crated and sat beside them. I sure hope that keeps him calm now. The saying “the best things in this world is free” is so true. Stewart AKA Tubee is the absolute best dog! Thanks for letting me share…
Hi Julie,
I am always nervous when a storm rolls in while we are at work. Sydney has done some crazy things before when scared- like trying to jump through a window. She seems so much better now that we don’t medicate her though.
Stewart sounds so special! So cute that he wanted to take care of the babies! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Renae,
I will let you know. It will absolutely be worth it. Tinker shakes, pants, and looks for a place to hide. We also got a new RV and she does the same thing when she rides in it. As long as we are sitting still she is fine. I hope it helps with that too.
Sorry to hear about your car (scratches) If you go to the auto parts store and ask for white compound it will take out the scratches.