By ShaShawn, CDT (Certified Dog Trainer)

Phobias are excessive and irrational responses to stimuli that are both dysfunctional and disruptive to normal behavior.

Clinical expression of thunderstorm phobia involves responses that are physical, emotional and physiological. Physical responses include:

• Flight
• Finding a safe place
• Shadowing owner
• Hiding
• Pacing
• Panting
• Whining

Physiological responses include activation of the autonomic and endocrine systems:

• Rapid heart rate
• Pupillary dilation
• Salivation
• Sweating (paws)
• Increase in stress hormones

Studies indicate that storm phobic dogs exhibit a 20% increase in plasma cortisol.

The presence of other dogs in the house is linked to a less pronounced reaction to storms and a more rapid recovery in hormonal response.

Desensitization, which can work for other phobias, does not work for storm phobias. Dogs may or may not be afraid of the actual sound of the thunder. A storm phobic dog is responsive to all the aspects of a storm, darkening clouds, barometric pressure and static electric fields. Odors may also be present with oxides of nitrogen or ozone produced with storms.

This composite nature of storms means that desensitization to the sound of thunder alone is not likely to be effective.

Desensitization would also need to be done in all rooms of the house and in locations the dog may frequent. Dogs do not generalize their new learning.

In both puppies and adult dogs, there are reasons for them to become scared of storms. The electricity that is produced in a storm can cause a dog's sensitive system to receive a shock. similar to the shock given by shock collars. That is why I do not recommend shock collars. Due to the shock they may have received from the electical current in the air during a storm,  shock collars could make dogs even more prone to storm phobia.  With dogs that seem to be sensitive to the electricity in the air, you may notice them seeking out tubs, or areas around toilets or metal pipes to ride out the storm. The reason for this is that through trial and error they find protection in those locations. They provide electrical grounds that would dissipate any built-up static charge.

What to do?

Find a safe place for your dog. A basement is a great choice. Basements are undergound, so the noise will be muffled. The safe place should have few windows. You can also block windows with cardboard or thick lined curtains. Lights are recommended to be on so it will mask the lightening flashes. A dog door is recommended so the dog can get to this safe spot even if the owner is not there. Try to lure him to the safe spot before the storm hits and play in an upbeat manner in the area, so he gets used to it.

Storm Jackets:

"Thundershirts" provide a comfort for dogs that are mildly sensitive to the electricity in the air. 

"Storm Defender" is a thundershirt type of coat that has an anti-static lining.

If none of the above suggestions work,  then see your veterinarian about medications that may be needed.

Please remember that you have to be gentle, calm and patient with your dog. They are truly fearful and in a state of panic.

Disease-carrying ticks post health risks to dogs and people, no matter where they live. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that ticks in every U.S. state carry diseases, and the number of tick-borne diseases are difficult to recognize in both pets and humans, simple preventive measures and understanding as much as possible about these creepy crawlers are the best ways to keep everyone safe.

Myth: The best way to remove a tick is with a lit match, fingernail polish or petroleum jelly.

Fact: None of these methods cause the tick to "back out," and all of them may actually result in the tick depositing more disease-carrying saliva into the wound, increasing the risk of infection.

Myth: Lyme disease is the only illness that ticks can transmit to dogs and humans.

Fact: Lyme disease is the most widely known and common tick disease, but there are many others that ticks carry and can transmit to dogs and people. These include Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, anaplasmosis (sometimes known as "dog fever"), echrlichiosis and some emerging diseases with potentially devastating effects.

Myth: If I find a tick on myself or someone in my family, Lyme and other tick diseases can be ruled out immediately with a blood test.

Fact: According to the CDC, laboratory results for tick-borne illness in people are often negative on the first sample and require a second test two to three weeks later to confirm infection. Children are more susceptible to infections due to their immature immune systems.

Myth: Ticks aren't a problem in the winter when it's too cold for them to live outside.

Fact: In most areas of the country, high season for ticks runs from April to November. Experts recommend year-round preventives, however, as infection can occur at any time of year. In the winter for example, some tick species move indoors and are in closer contact with pets and people, while others make a type of antifreeze to survive during the winter months.

Myth: Ticks live in trees, so as long as I don't live near or visit a wooded area, I don't have to worry about them.

Fact: Ticks live on the ground no matter the locale, be it an urban park or a rural area. They typically crawl up from grass blades onto a host and migrate upwards, which is why they are often found on the scalp.

Myth: Ticks are insects.

Fact: Ticks are species of parasites called arachnids that belong to the same family as mites.

1. Pets have positive effects on our physical health.

Studies from Henry Ford Health System in Detroit and the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta show children who grow up with pets from their first year of life are less likely to suffer from allergies, while another study from the Journal of Pediatrics in 2011 shows that kids living with dogs had a lower rate of eczema.

2. They can warn us of potential health risks before we notice symptoms.

Dogs have been trained to provide support and companionship for people during seizures, and some studies even claim dogs can predict oncoming attacks. Dogs may also be trained to detect drops in blood pressure and blood sugar or even sniff out certain types of cancer.

3. They help us make kinetic connections.

Pets serve as our introductions to new people, whether your friends through furry family members at the dog park or as you are trucking round the block. They also keep pet owners on the go. In a 2006 study from researchers at the University of Victoria, dog owners walked about 300 minutes a week, compared to 168 minutes by non-dog owners.

4. They reflect our personalities.

Your clients can become fast friends with other pet owners through breed appreciation groups or fan clubs. And certain breeds may even attract like personaliites, according to a study from Bath Spa University in England. The study suggested toy breed owners-think Chihuahuas and Yorkies-may be smart and creative, while those who own working dogs, such as Boxers and Great Danes, are likely agreeable and intelligent.

5. They brighten our day.

Sure, study after study shows that owning pets decrease our risk of suffering from depression, but we already knew that, right? That boisterous greeting dog owners receive when they step in the door after a long day's work or the way their kitties wind around their feet to say "I missed you"  says it all. So take time out and enjoy your pets!