Q:My dog Lady is terrified of thunderstorms. This time of the year is a nightmare. Apart from moving to another part of the world where thunderstorms are less common, what else can I do? I'm absolutely at my wit's end and it's terrible to see her suffer like this.

A: A couple of years ago I wrote a column on how to handle thunderstorm phobia in dogs. This column will reprise that one and hopefully suggest some new concepts for keeping your wits about you when the barometric pressure drops, lightning strikes and thunder booms.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that thunderstorm phobia is a progressive behavioral disorder. Dogs get progressively more anxious when they're repeatedly exposed to the kind of violent storms we experience in South Florida. Indeed, each thunderstorm brings with it renewed confirmation of why they should be afraid, thereby further entrenching their fear-based reaction.

That's why the key is to intervene as early as possible so as to limit the progression of the disease. That means that anyone whose dogs do not yet suffer severe anxiety but nonetheless react negatively to storms should be taking measures to curb the stress before it gets to Lady's level.

But how?

Because dogs may experience a sensitivity not only to the sounds of thunder, but also to the electromagnetic radiation emitted by lightning and to the barometric pressure changes that come with storms, all possible sources of stress must be addressed.

To relieve the stress of the sound of thunder, dogs should be sheltered in the least exposed room of the house (a closet?), preferably inside their covered crate with a radio or white noise machine nearby.

Covering a crate with a double layer of tin foil and a blanket over top (to keep it in place) shields pets from the electromagnetic radiation emitted by lightning. One company even markets canine clothing that provides a similar shield (the Storm Defender cape).

These are only a sampling of the measures we employ. For the more severely afflicted, behavior modification techniques are available, as are a wide variety of drugs -- both of which I often prescribe to help alleviate the severe suffering so many dogs endure.

If Lady does not immediately respond positively to these measures, please consider taking her to see a board-certified veterinary behaviorist -- soon!

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