calming frightened dog

[TsPoet]

OK, I'm desperate maybe someone here can help.
I got a rescue dog ~7 months ago. She is very timid and afraid of a lot of things. Most notably wind ?!
The windy season is starting here. It was ~15 mph last night and I got no sleep, this poor baby paced and whined and pawed at me all night. Tonight the prediction is 45 mph winds.
Nothing I do seems to calm her. This has happened every time it has been windy for the last 7 months. I totally don't get it, I don't know if it’s the wind or the noises it cause or just what, but it's awful to see her so upset and there is nothing I can do. (I also am desperately in need of sleep!)
Is anyone familiar with Rescue Remedy? I’d rather an non drug (I’m a toxicologist, don’t tell me it’s flowers and not a drug, that’s still a drug) alternative. But, I’ll try anything!

[Zen]

I would say call the vet but they'll just advise drugs.

Music?
listen to some samples of Steve Roach
he always helps me sleep.

I wonder if it could be related to a barometric pressure change? Animals are very sensitive to stuff like that.

[makbike]

check with your vet. I know there is a collar on the market which releases natural pheromones which act to reduce stress. The vet I worked for often recommended to to clinics with dogs like yours. Clients reported back that the collar did work. The collar itself is activated by an increase in body temperature. I can't remember the name of the collar, sorry. I will, however, try to remember to ask tomorrow when I swing by the clinic to pick up some stuff.

[Brandi]

I have used Rescue Remedy on my cats before. It is super mild though. It sounds like you need a mild tranq for her. I had a dog that used to freak out over fireworks really bad. He chewwed through a picnic table one time. We had to knock him out after that. Your doc will be able to advise. You could try the Rescue Remedy and see though. I know from personal use that it is super mild. But it might work for her and is not as druggy as a tranq can be.

[Tuckervill]

The lady on Calling All Pets says to make windy/thunder time play time, and you have to anticipate it before she starts spiraling down. She calls them "Thunder Treats" with her dogs. Find something the dog loves that you only offer during bad weather. You will have to stay awake of course, still, while you distract the dog.

Some dogs will be harder to distract than others. You'll have to be quick on the trigger, I'll bet--watch the weather and try to change her thinking about it before the bad weather starts.

Karen

[Tuckervill]

By the way, I've been trying to recondition Zeke to not attack the mail carrier every day, but he always beats me to the punch. I've tried lots of things, like leaving treats for the mail carrier to give him, distracting him ahead of time, etc. But the dog across the street starts barking whenever she hears the mail truck park up the street, so he's always cued in. I've pretty much given up and keep the doggie door closed from 9-12 a.m. About 30 minutes ago he was going ballistic on the couch, snarling like he was killing something, just cuz he saw her out the window.

I don't think I'll ever change his mind about the mail carrier, unless I can convince HER not to walk straight down the sidewalk from my mailbox to the next house (IOW, to go back to the street the way she came), because he thinks he's chasing her off. It's too ingrained in his brain, after 4 years of success!

So, I'm sympathetic to your plight.

Karen

[Andrea]

I know it's a drug and not a permanent fix for someone that lives in a windy area, but Benadryl can help an acute bout of the jitters. They can have up to 1mg/pound of bodyweight.

Good luck finding something- I have one that gets nervous during storms, so I'd be interested to know if you find something that doesn't involve drugs.

[LBTC]

I love the idea of play time during anxious moments! My Diva gets nervous at various times and will follow me around and shiver constantly when it's thundering and windy. I've never thought of playing with her! Great idea! Difficult during sleep hours, but maybe, if it's a particular toy, she may become conditioned to play with it on her own when she's feeling upset?

My suggestion was going to be Rescue Remedy. Maybe both in conjunction?

Sending butterflies to you both,
~T~