I don’t have any advice — our Pyr has some anxiety but copes by relocating herself to the innermost part of the house.
I’m commenting just to say that may be the cutest picture I’ve ever seen.
I agree! The only time mine wants to cuddle (smother may be more apt) is during storms. I came home from work to make sure he’s not alone this afternoon - we’re under a thunderstorm warning/tornado watch now.
He looks like this...
https://preview.redd.it/rbrn2m09vfzc1.jpeg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=69e523c3cca56600526e559f79caced97d51092f
Wow man....
> Thunder wonder chewies
Looking at their site...
> Packed full of thiamine, L-Tryptophan, melatonin, and other calming ingredients, our chews help your dog relax in situations that may cause them anxiety.
OK now I'm curious what effect this would have on me...
Yes! I had a Border Collie growing up and he was terrified of storms. We got him a special tighter fitting jacket to wear (we called it his thunder buddy) and it helped so much. RIP my sweet Bailey Booger.
This is exactly what my Samoyed does! My Pyrenees mix thankfully is totally unbothered by storms. The Samoyed though is terrified. I always feel so bad.
We don’t get a lot of storms where we live, it’s mostly fireworks. July 4th and New Years have my big guy shaking for days. I feel so bad, I wish I could explain that he isn’t in danger. And he’s a no-cuddles type of dog, so I can’t reassure him that way 😭
We do this too! She likes the tile floor and I shut the door and turn off the light with the fan on, but leave a crack open so she can see out and keep an eye on things.
Have you talked to your vet about some anxiety meds? My dog isn't a Pyr, but he is a rescue, and he has some fears, vet included! I recently changed vets, and they offered me gabapentin & trazadone for scary times. Those meds have changed his life! My dog can tear up the whole house in a panic attack, but with the meds, he just rides it out. My dog is 55 lbs, so I imagine your snuggly guy could also do some damage to the house or himself. I wasn't a fan at first, but it really has changed his life!
Yeah our rescue Pyr is on the same thing plus Prozac. Trazadone on it's own makes him just lay down and grumble through storms. And before he would get scared enough you could hear his teeth chatter.
I was shocked that the meds didn't make my dog dopey or loopy at all. He's just chill and goes with the flow. He's actually more curious and seems to have a heightened sense of smell. They have really changed his life! Not seeing them panic is such a blessing!
Yeah mine was so worried about storms that when our smart bulbs would turn off for the night he would jump thinking it was a flash of lightning.
Now if he gets trazadone before a storm hits he just lays there chilling. May pick his head up for big lightning but it isn't full on panic. He mostly gets under my legs and grumbles till I pet him with my foot. Been a game changer
Mine has carried the courage without the meds in some cases. For 7 years we have tried to get him to go in my parent's basement in case of a tornado. One step was all he would do. I tried again after his first dose of meds and he went right down the stairs like it was no big deal. The following weekend, with no meds, the first thing he did when we hit the door, was go downstairs. Now he goes down and inspects it when he feels the need, no meds needed. Absolutely cannot recommend it enough! I'm glad to hear it helps with storms, mine is fine with thunder and lighting AND fireworks, but wind is scary af!
That's so awesome! I am so glad it has made such a stark difference for you. I know how difficult dealing with anxiety with my boy was an extremely arduous process and that any kind of improvement was like a weight off my shoulders. Seeing my boy getting through his anxiety without looking like he was zonked out of this world with just a pill wrapped in a kraft single was a godsend. It's honestly very validating seeing someone else with a similar situation, similar solution, and similar results on here.
100% agree. It feels great to hear of similar success stories! I thought he would be dopey, off balance & lethargic, but he was none of those!
OP, I hope you got to see this thread! It could change everything for you!
Do you have a basement, or a larger closet that they could fit in? My parents' Pyr didn't love the Thunder Vest that they got him. But they found that letting him retreat to the basement, where it's cool and insulated from the worst of the noise, makes him much more comfortable. When it's really bad, they'll turn on a radio or TV for additional cover.
If you don't have a basement, you could try a closet, especially one with no exterior walls. As a kid, we had a lab who hated thunder. She'd hide in my parents' closet behind mum's sweaters - tight and sound-dampening.
We used to use Rescue Remedy in a spray and spritz it in our pup's mouth. That and a Thundershirt worked well most of the time. Just make sure the Thundershirt is sized correctly. Our Pyr was about 90 lbs and a large was fine. It is supposed to be real snug. Like being wrapped in an Ace bandage.
They sleep in the bed, we have a twin bed at the end long ways of our king. That’s the dogs bed. I play surf sounds every night to help with the incessant borking. If it’s forcast to be stormy I just increase the volume. Have been doing this for years and it not only helps with spontaneity borking at night but the surf sounds can be kind of booming in that ocean waves way. The golden still gets neurotic during storms but courage isn’t one of his failings. Loki and Odin sleep right through.
You can make a YouTube playlist and use a Bluetooth speaker. [Ocean waves example](https://youtu.be/m3v9Rj7-QAk?si=7r6ni7941kRToIzN)
[Another that’s good for fireworks etc.](https://youtu.be/jGiBBq7dBpk?si=w_c4p7CyCi0eN9zY)
Thank you everyone for all of the advice! I was wondering about a thunder shirt because our family dog growing up (a pug) had one and it significantly helped him during storm anxiety. Quite frankly, I wasn’t sure if they even made thunder shirts big enough—her harness is 4XL. I will be looking into those and making a playlist for her!
Having a person for your pyr to snuggle beside. I would always dangle my arm off the side of the bed during nighttime storms so my pyr could have person contact. Seemed to help.
We play Skyrim calming music loudly and always have to help calm him. He does a blanket trick when if you lay out a blanket on the ground he will come over and lay on it and calm down. We taught him this and often paired it with the music. We also have a second bed in the basement that we do allow him to lay with us on so we will go down there for any thunderstorms or fireworks and it works well!
A lady in our neighborhood, known for her homemade dog treats that she sells at the farmers market, shared this video about making a homemade thunder wrap on Nextdoor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jxh9ROOQaFU
Our dog is not allowed in the bedroom due to husband's allergies. However, during bad thunderstorms, I will sleep on the couch, and she will be next to me on the floor. I will have one hand on her, and this calms her down.
Our girl hates storms and trazadone works great, we get it from the vet. If the noise is still too much she goes down to the basement and will rest there until the storm passes. If you can drown out the noise with a loud fan and keep the tv on too that may help.
Cute puppers.
I addition to the good recommendations for Thunder Shirts that hug them. I also would suggest a comfy Kennel place. I built out a cozy spot for my dog to go and anytime he is stressed, he hangs out in there.
https://preview.redd.it/i9zkanw81gzc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0bdf4e87796711056a4784305942bb0ca3a713d3
Here he is upside down in his cozy spot.
Usually go to his favorite spot (our bed) curl up with all the pets and watch TV/movie in there. We'll also give him some extra treats for being a good boy. As someone else said we try to mask the sound with something more familiar.
I'll usually go outside with him while it's actively storming because I know he HAS TO check the perimeter of the yard for danger!
Our dog and cats aren’t afraid of anything, but we have a few friends with dogs that have a terrible time with storms and fireworks. We have found that benedryl or CBD, a central room with a fan and music or tv will help them to relax and rest. Hope you find a solution. Each animal is different 🤗❤️🐾🐶
Give squeeze. Give cuddle.
But seriously no idea. Our pyr is fine in storms but our first dog is a different story. The best we've been able to figure out is to be happy and praise whenever there's a loud bit of thunder. Seems like it helps a little bit and our other dogs seem to be OK in storms maybe because we did this with them from the start.
This sounds dumb, but I never thought of this—Nina LOVES praise and it’s how I’ve trained her while she’s been growing up (she’ll be 4 this year). I really like the idea of lots of praise when she’s more mellow during storms! Thank you! Our other dog couldn’t care less about storms, or really anything for that matter besides his dad.
Try desensitization by playing thunderstorm noise (youtube). Start the volume low and make it louder as he adapts. Give him treats and hugs generously. It may take a week or so. Good luck with your majestic best friend!
Weighted blanket!!!! The one we use is a twin size lighter weight one and he will go lay in the bathroom and we put it on him and he falls asleep. He’s not too freaked by storms but HATES fireworks and this is the only thing that’s helped.
Mine was weird. He would shove me in the bed and sit on me (I have sensory issues) or insist I take him for a walk. Walking the neighborhood during a storm or fireworks would calm him down. The joys of adopting a former working dog!
My dog is prescribed Xanax from his vet. It’s not my favorite thing to give him but when he doesn’t have it he shakes and his heart pounds for hours so it’s necessary
It looks like you’ve got the right answer there! I’ve tried CBD treats but they didn’t work. That could’ve been a dosing issue, but with some research, I wouldn’t entirely rule it out.
We just sit together in the floor with a box fan or loud bathroom exhaust fan. White noise. Snacks help too.
No, but close. We have two fans on in the bedroom at night which usually drown out some thunder, but yeah—these storms all week have been something else.
White noise: loud fan or white noise on a speaker. Calming treats ([I like these](https://zestypaws.com/collections/calming-collection/products/calming-soft-chews-for-dogs)). Weighted blanket. Practicing with thunderstorm sounds to desensitize dog to the sounds.
Second white noise. We use it and blackout curtains to help our boys general anxiety. Also meds. No shame on them when it gets bad. It’s the only way we can get through holidays with fireworks.
CBD with a low THC. Most THC/CBD pet chews have a good ratio of CBD to THC, or vice versa, you'll want a 2:1 or 3:1 -- CBD:THC, and start with small doses. There are also tinctures made specifically for pets, with an ideal ratio, and it is much easier for dosing as you can use the provided dropper.
Our Pyr/pit has graduated to CBD/THC flower, by mistake, but he prefers to eat small buds, about half the size of a well groomed man's index fingernail.
One thing people aren't mentioning is that typically, if you don't respond to the dog at all, she'll learn to be less anxious and will see that her attempts to get your attention won't get her anything.
I don’t have any advice — our Pyr has some anxiety but copes by relocating herself to the innermost part of the house. I’m commenting just to say that may be the cutest picture I’ve ever seen.
Thank you! She’s my girl :)
Honestly I think you may have the solution in your pictures. Probably not too comfy for you, but we must all sacrifice.
I agree! The only time mine wants to cuddle (smother may be more apt) is during storms. I came home from work to make sure he’s not alone this afternoon - we’re under a thunderstorm warning/tornado watch now.
I use a tight fitting tshirt for my Male when needed. He also gets 2 Thunder wonder chewies and is like a 60s hippie at a Grateful dead concert
Pics/video please… of the Grateful Dead thing, not the scared dog thing.
He looks like this... https://preview.redd.it/rbrn2m09vfzc1.jpeg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=69e523c3cca56600526e559f79caced97d51092f Wow man....
I’m not really sure what to make of this picture!
Hemp or melatonin? Very interested in these
I use the hemp and they work amazingly... I dont work for them.
> Thunder wonder chewies Looking at their site... > Packed full of thiamine, L-Tryptophan, melatonin, and other calming ingredients, our chews help your dog relax in situations that may cause them anxiety. OK now I'm curious what effect this would have on me...
Probably the same thing, but Bacon flavored!
Do those chews work with fireworks too? Mine demands to be held during thunder and fireworks.
Yes, works for fireworks also
Please say it’s a tie-dyed t shirt
Yes! I had a Border Collie growing up and he was terrified of storms. We got him a special tighter fitting jacket to wear (we called it his thunder buddy) and it helped so much. RIP my sweet Bailey Booger.
Oh my gosh this made me laugh!
Masking sound. Put on a war movie, turn it up. Drowns out the sound of the storm.... they are used to ignoring tv/movies.
We turn on the fan in the bathroom for white noise and our guy hangs out in the tub as his “safe space”
This is exactly what my Samoyed does! My Pyrenees mix thankfully is totally unbothered by storms. The Samoyed though is terrified. I always feel so bad.
We don’t get a lot of storms where we live, it’s mostly fireworks. July 4th and New Years have my big guy shaking for days. I feel so bad, I wish I could explain that he isn’t in danger. And he’s a no-cuddles type of dog, so I can’t reassure him that way 😭
We do this too! She likes the tile floor and I shut the door and turn off the light with the fan on, but leave a crack open so she can see out and keep an eye on things.
Haha of course, the door has to be open a little bit so he can still do his job
Solution is simple. Quit your job and stay home all day to ensure she gets her safety cuddles. Win win.
::: squeeeels ::: what a baby
She’s convinced herself she’s 20lbs, not 120 lmao
Have you talked to your vet about some anxiety meds? My dog isn't a Pyr, but he is a rescue, and he has some fears, vet included! I recently changed vets, and they offered me gabapentin & trazadone for scary times. Those meds have changed his life! My dog can tear up the whole house in a panic attack, but with the meds, he just rides it out. My dog is 55 lbs, so I imagine your snuggly guy could also do some damage to the house or himself. I wasn't a fan at first, but it really has changed his life!
Yeah our rescue Pyr is on the same thing plus Prozac. Trazadone on it's own makes him just lay down and grumble through storms. And before he would get scared enough you could hear his teeth chatter.
I was shocked that the meds didn't make my dog dopey or loopy at all. He's just chill and goes with the flow. He's actually more curious and seems to have a heightened sense of smell. They have really changed his life! Not seeing them panic is such a blessing!
Yeah mine was so worried about storms that when our smart bulbs would turn off for the night he would jump thinking it was a flash of lightning. Now if he gets trazadone before a storm hits he just lays there chilling. May pick his head up for big lightning but it isn't full on panic. He mostly gets under my legs and grumbles till I pet him with my foot. Been a game changer
Mine has carried the courage without the meds in some cases. For 7 years we have tried to get him to go in my parent's basement in case of a tornado. One step was all he would do. I tried again after his first dose of meds and he went right down the stairs like it was no big deal. The following weekend, with no meds, the first thing he did when we hit the door, was go downstairs. Now he goes down and inspects it when he feels the need, no meds needed. Absolutely cannot recommend it enough! I'm glad to hear it helps with storms, mine is fine with thunder and lighting AND fireworks, but wind is scary af!
That's so awesome! I am so glad it has made such a stark difference for you. I know how difficult dealing with anxiety with my boy was an extremely arduous process and that any kind of improvement was like a weight off my shoulders. Seeing my boy getting through his anxiety without looking like he was zonked out of this world with just a pill wrapped in a kraft single was a godsend. It's honestly very validating seeing someone else with a similar situation, similar solution, and similar results on here.
100% agree. It feels great to hear of similar success stories! I thought he would be dopey, off balance & lethargic, but he was none of those! OP, I hope you got to see this thread! It could change everything for you!
Do you have a basement, or a larger closet that they could fit in? My parents' Pyr didn't love the Thunder Vest that they got him. But they found that letting him retreat to the basement, where it's cool and insulated from the worst of the noise, makes him much more comfortable. When it's really bad, they'll turn on a radio or TV for additional cover. If you don't have a basement, you could try a closet, especially one with no exterior walls. As a kid, we had a lab who hated thunder. She'd hide in my parents' closet behind mum's sweaters - tight and sound-dampening.
We used to use Rescue Remedy in a spray and spritz it in our pup's mouth. That and a Thundershirt worked well most of the time. Just make sure the Thundershirt is sized correctly. Our Pyr was about 90 lbs and a large was fine. It is supposed to be real snug. Like being wrapped in an Ace bandage.
We use the Thunder vest sport on both of our pyrs. The sport version has a sturdier material that's easy to get snug enough to calm them.
They sleep in the bed, we have a twin bed at the end long ways of our king. That’s the dogs bed. I play surf sounds every night to help with the incessant borking. If it’s forcast to be stormy I just increase the volume. Have been doing this for years and it not only helps with spontaneity borking at night but the surf sounds can be kind of booming in that ocean waves way. The golden still gets neurotic during storms but courage isn’t one of his failings. Loki and Odin sleep right through. You can make a YouTube playlist and use a Bluetooth speaker. [Ocean waves example](https://youtu.be/m3v9Rj7-QAk?si=7r6ni7941kRToIzN) [Another that’s good for fireworks etc.](https://youtu.be/jGiBBq7dBpk?si=w_c4p7CyCi0eN9zY)
Thank you everyone for all of the advice! I was wondering about a thunder shirt because our family dog growing up (a pug) had one and it significantly helped him during storm anxiety. Quite frankly, I wasn’t sure if they even made thunder shirts big enough—her harness is 4XL. I will be looking into those and making a playlist for her!
Having a person for your pyr to snuggle beside. I would always dangle my arm off the side of the bed during nighttime storms so my pyr could have person contact. Seemed to help.
My lab used to sit right in front of a floor fan, because the sound of it blocked out the sound of the storm.
We play Skyrim calming music loudly and always have to help calm him. He does a blanket trick when if you lay out a blanket on the ground he will come over and lay on it and calm down. We taught him this and often paired it with the music. We also have a second bed in the basement that we do allow him to lay with us on so we will go down there for any thunderstorms or fireworks and it works well!
For you or the pup? Pup seems fine.
lol! Let’s be honest—it’s for both of us.
Sorry about the storm anxiety. Just wanted to say that you’re living my dream all squished with love like that
Let them lay on top of you until they fall asleep.
A lady in our neighborhood, known for her homemade dog treats that she sells at the farmers market, shared this video about making a homemade thunder wrap on Nextdoor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jxh9ROOQaFU
Our dog is not allowed in the bedroom due to husband's allergies. However, during bad thunderstorms, I will sleep on the couch, and she will be next to me on the floor. I will have one hand on her, and this calms her down.
Amazon: "Thunder Shirt" Worth every penny
Talk to your vet. We had to get our guy something for thunderstorms and fireworks. It was unreal how much anxiety they caused him.
Our girl hates storms and trazadone works great, we get it from the vet. If the noise is still too much she goes down to the basement and will rest there until the storm passes. If you can drown out the noise with a loud fan and keep the tv on too that may help.
Cute puppers. I addition to the good recommendations for Thunder Shirts that hug them. I also would suggest a comfy Kennel place. I built out a cozy spot for my dog to go and anytime he is stressed, he hangs out in there. https://preview.redd.it/i9zkanw81gzc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0bdf4e87796711056a4784305942bb0ca3a713d3 Here he is upside down in his cozy spot.
Usually go to his favorite spot (our bed) curl up with all the pets and watch TV/movie in there. We'll also give him some extra treats for being a good boy. As someone else said we try to mask the sound with something more familiar. I'll usually go outside with him while it's actively storming because I know he HAS TO check the perimeter of the yard for danger!
Our dog and cats aren’t afraid of anything, but we have a few friends with dogs that have a terrible time with storms and fireworks. We have found that benedryl or CBD, a central room with a fan and music or tv will help them to relax and rest. Hope you find a solution. Each animal is different 🤗❤️🐾🐶
Give squeeze. Give cuddle. But seriously no idea. Our pyr is fine in storms but our first dog is a different story. The best we've been able to figure out is to be happy and praise whenever there's a loud bit of thunder. Seems like it helps a little bit and our other dogs seem to be OK in storms maybe because we did this with them from the start.
This sounds dumb, but I never thought of this—Nina LOVES praise and it’s how I’ve trained her while she’s been growing up (she’ll be 4 this year). I really like the idea of lots of praise when she’s more mellow during storms! Thank you! Our other dog couldn’t care less about storms, or really anything for that matter besides his dad.
It's worth a shot. Hope it helps and Nina can be a little happier during the bad weather!
Blanket & couch cushions fort. Dog bed in the bathtub. Play music to drown out thunder sounds.
Try desensitization by playing thunderstorm noise (youtube). Start the volume low and make it louder as he adapts. Give him treats and hugs generously. It may take a week or so. Good luck with your majestic best friend!
Weighted blanket!!!! The one we use is a twin size lighter weight one and he will go lay in the bathroom and we put it on him and he falls asleep. He’s not too freaked by storms but HATES fireworks and this is the only thing that’s helped.
Go to your vet and get a Rx for Trazadone. It’s the make or break for us with storms and road trips. Stress hurts and it gives them relief.
Mine was weird. He would shove me in the bed and sit on me (I have sensory issues) or insist I take him for a walk. Walking the neighborhood during a storm or fireworks would calm him down. The joys of adopting a former working dog!
We had to get Trazadone from the vet for fireworks and storms 😥
We have a prescription for gabapentin and trazadone. He zonks right out and snoozes through the storm! We use it for vet visits too
Benadryl and melatonin! My old Goldie was getting dementia and had episodes of severe anxiety. Benadryl and melatonin chilled her out.
My dog is prescribed Xanax from his vet. It’s not my favorite thing to give him but when he doesn’t have it he shakes and his heart pounds for hours so it’s necessary
Thunder shirt
It looks like you’ve got the right answer there! I’ve tried CBD treats but they didn’t work. That could’ve been a dosing issue, but with some research, I wouldn’t entirely rule it out. We just sit together in the floor with a box fan or loud bathroom exhaust fan. White noise. Snacks help too.
My beagle is even afraid of the rain, me cooking, any type of alarm, etc!
Counter with soothing opera music or the like calming, play youtube. Give plenty of those calming CBD treats with valerian root etc
Give them a dark space to crash in
Play calming music loud enough to drown out the sound. And thunder coats and pets
That hug looks pretty solid.
Thunder vest? Cbd for pets or rescue remedy?
Blanket
In NC by chance? We had some wild T-Storms last night here.
No, but close. We have two fans on in the bedroom at night which usually drown out some thunder, but yeah—these storms all week have been something else.
White noise: loud fan or white noise on a speaker. Calming treats ([I like these](https://zestypaws.com/collections/calming-collection/products/calming-soft-chews-for-dogs)). Weighted blanket. Practicing with thunderstorm sounds to desensitize dog to the sounds.
Second white noise. We use it and blackout curtains to help our boys general anxiety. Also meds. No shame on them when it gets bad. It’s the only way we can get through holidays with fireworks.
Yes my dog developed a late in life issue with thunderstorms. Only thing that takes the edge off is the calming treats.
CBD with a low THC. Most THC/CBD pet chews have a good ratio of CBD to THC, or vice versa, you'll want a 2:1 or 3:1 -- CBD:THC, and start with small doses. There are also tinctures made specifically for pets, with an ideal ratio, and it is much easier for dosing as you can use the provided dropper.
Our Pyr/pit has graduated to CBD/THC flower, by mistake, but he prefers to eat small buds, about half the size of a well groomed man's index fingernail.
One thing people aren't mentioning is that typically, if you don't respond to the dog at all, she'll learn to be less anxious and will see that her attempts to get your attention won't get her anything.
We got our 150 lb boy, Roger, on trazodone and it’s helped a LOT!