Dear Fisher,
It’s me – Mork, and I am kinda embarrassed to write to you with my problem but I need to solve it. It’s rainy season again and when my family is out working and I am home alone during the day, the thunderstorms scare me silly. Truth is, even when they are home at night and the thunder booms, it scares me something awful. I get all shaky and nervous and sometimes start drooling. I can’t seem to get over this. What I can do to calm myself? I don’t even want to think about the fireworks coming up!

Mork

Dear Mork,
You do not have to feel embarrassed about your fear of thunder and loud noises. It is much more common than you may realize. I have friends in the same situation and they find comfort in listening to the radio all day. One I know of prefers talk radio (he did not say which station, and I wonder what that might lead to if he all of a sudden goes political on us), and another friend loves classical music. They report it makes them feel like they are not alone and the sounds offer them something to think about besides their own fear.

Another idea is to have your humans prepare a nice quiet secure area where you can “hide out” if they know storms are coming:

• The area should be small and preferably dark – a closet, laundry room, or closet will work. If you tend to head toward the bathtub, they can set that up very nicely for you.
• Your hideaway should be a small space you can move in and out of easily.
• They should provide nice amenities like a cushy blanket for your comfort, food and water bowls, and your favorite snuggly toy.
• Your humans should let you work through your feelings without trying to convince you there is nothing to fear. That just adds to your anxiety and makes them look silly.
• If they are home at the time, they can try to distract you with a fun game, but drop the idea immediately if you do not agree to play.

Be prepared, Mork, for a visit to your friendly vet if you are destructive to yourself, property, and the cat.  Do not view this as a threat but rather a last resort solution. There is no shame in taking a calming medication if you have a serious phobia.

As for the summertime fireworks, humans must understand they are not a treat for most dogs. My two final pieces of advice are to visit the the Humane Society of the United States for tips on getting you through that ordeal. And second, avoid listening to Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture at all costs.

Your friend,
Fisher