Owners in the USA: something to calm my dog during a thunderstorm?

Hi there, fellow fans and owners of greyhounds! This year, my ten-year-old daughter Leila has declared she is afraid of thunderstorms. This time of year, there are at least 1-2 storms per week in the region of the country where we live. To help her feel less anxious before and during a storm, I wish to get some supplements. Leila will tremble, pant, and even urinate on the ground in the event of a strong thunderclap. I have tried holding her close, covering her crate, and encircling her in her blanket in an attempt to block out the thunder and lightning, but to no avail. Nor, in my opinion, would a thunder shirt benefit her.

So, to help their greyhound stay calm during a storm, does anyone else give them a supplement? Ideally, something that can be purchased in the US? I have attached a photo of my tiny elderly grey lady.

3 Likes

Trazodone an hour or so before a storm can help. Talk to your vet.

2 Likes

This is what we do.

A handful of our greyhounds have been so terrified of storms that we have worried they would injure themselves unintentionally. It is quite safe and soothes them.

1 Like

Trazodone can be a strong sedative, so be cautious with the dosage. For my anxious cat, lorazepam has been better than trazodone for storm-related stress. No solution is perfect, but medication can help reduce stress.

We also tried ear plugs, a head wrap, and a Thundershirt, but they didn’t work for her. Music and background noise were ineffective too. Meds have been the most helpful for us.