Thunderstorms

We were soundly sleeping when I felt a very familiar touch. It wasn’t my husband but my dog spunky scratching at the side of the bed! This can only mean one thing, thunder! If I am too slow to respond, she jumps up on the bed, in between my husband and I. This makes for a fun night! It has been said that certain breeds are more sensitive to thunder than others. ow Spunky is an Australian shepherd, Chow mix and she is definitely afraid.

Dr. Dodman, BVMS has suggested that it is possible that the dog’s coat could actually have static electricity during a storm.  This would explain the panic and desperation that we see in our dog whenever there is thunder.  Imagine if your hair was shocking you each time it thundered!

There are many suggestions to calming dogs which have this type of response to thunderstorms.

1. Use an anti-static dryer sheet on their fur

2. Spray them with a little water so their coat is damp

3. Use a vet approved calming drug

4. Give them a crate that is away from the noise

5. Change their negative association (give them a treat)

6. Use a compression vest (thundershirt).

We have tried the calming pills and they have some effect. Last night however, we were out of pills. I decided that since I didn’t have compression vest, I would just try and wrap my arms around her and hug her close throughout the storm. (My husband didn’t like it too much!) Although this wasn’t perfect it did help. She seemed to feel more secure knowing that she wasn’t alone, that I was close, that she was safe.

When I am afraid, I also try to do whatever I can, to feel secure.

We can learn several lessons from Spunky.

1. Go to the source of Comfort

2. Be persistent

3. Rest in His arms

4. Stay there throughout the storm

5. Repeat this behavior during all storms

The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth,

Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable.

He gives power to the weak,

 and to those who have no might He increases strength.

 ...those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength;

They shall mount up with wings like eagles, 

They shall run and not be weary,

They shall walk and not faint.

 Isaiah 40:28-31

Father, thank you for teaching me trust lessons through Spunky. You are trustworthy! When I am afraid I will trust in you!