Dog afraid of thunderstorms

[NachoProblem]

Hello! I'm new to this board, but I was hoping someone could help me. I have a dog that's 5 years old, that has been getting progressively more afraid of thunderstorms. And now that we're in the peak of thunderstorm season, I want to do something to help him! He's not destructive or anything, he mostly just shakes. Sometimes he'll go around the house and scratch at the bottom of the sofa, and it seems like he's trying to bury himself. So what I've been doing is putting him on my lap and covering him with a blanket. And that seems to help temporarily. But I want him to be more confident during thunderstorms so if I'm not home he'll still be ok. I don't want him to be sad Has anyone gone through this and found something that works? TIA!

[pinkballoons]

Have you tried a Thundershirt? I've never used one personally because my dogs do pretty well during storms, but I know several people who have used them with great success.

Also, try Rescue Remedy.

Does he have a crate? My dogs know their crates are their safe spots. When we had a crazy storm come through last month with baseball-size hail, Bently tucked himself in his crate with his blanket without any prompting from me. My lab Petey's crate is covered with a blanket to make it den-like, and it makes him more comfortable.

[kellbell191]

We use the thundershirt with Molly and I'm looking at ordering her the composure chews to take in the morning. Her storm anxiety is getting worse so i think xanax is our next step.

[jenni232323]

Also check out anxiety wrap which is the original thundershirt or something like that.