Thunderstorms and Earthworms

[corgimom]

I found this as it relates to Cats:

TheLavenderCat - Aromatherapy & Cats - The Lavender Cat - Essential Oil Safety For Cats

and this for humans:

Are Essential Oils Safe? | Taking Charge Of Your Health

[milosmom]

Regarding the peppermint oil: please make sure it can be injested. I got a bottle of essential oil of peppermint at a drug store and it is clearly labeled that it is not edible. (I bought it for aromatherapy/sinus reasons).

The technique I learned to help Milo out through thunderstorms, 4th of July, etc. was to not make a big deal out of the noise and not to comfort him. I read that in a book. It worked. For some reason if you comfort them it just draws more attention to the noise and reinforces their fears.
I started that when he was a puppy and he has never been fearful of loud noises, he may startle, but he doesn't bark, whine or get crazed like iv'e seen some dogs do.

[Peggy]

Originally Posted by milosmom

For some reason if you comfort them it just draws more attention to the noise and reinforces their fears.

When you "baby" them or provide comfort you are telling them they were right there is something to worry about. If you act as if everything is normal, they get the message "Mom, isn't worried, maybe it's ok" and take cues from you and calm.

Not just thunderstorms, this applies to anyplace where they are fearful or anxious, vets, etc.

I've been known to tell my guys, "you're a corgi, you're tough, you can handle it" and go on with what ever I'm doing.

Peggy

[corgimom]

Originally Posted by taflar

When you "baby" them or provide comfort you are telling them they were right there is something to worry about. If you act as if everything is normal, they get the message "Mom, isn't worried, maybe it's ok" and take cues from you and calm.

Not just thunderstorms, this applies to anyplace where they are fearful or anxious, vets, etc.

I've been known to tell my guys, "you're a corgi, you're tough, you can handle it" and go on with what ever I'm doing.

Peggy

Peggy,

I have never babied Cody when there was a thunderstorm yet he will go and lie down quietly in the first floor bathroom; same thing with fireworks - he doesn't whine or pace, just goes in the room to retreat until its over.

[Peggy]

Originally Posted by corgimom

I have never babied Cody when there was a thunderstorm yet he will go and lie down quietly in the first floor bathroom; same thing with fireworks - he doesn't whine or pace, just goes in the room to retreat until its over.

He feels safe there. I don't know why but I've heard of other dogs going into the bathroom during storms too.

Whatever works I guess.

Peggy

[disraeli]

Poor Rhys - he ignored thunder until he was almost a year old. Then one day, I had to take him outside to potty after a storm (the thunder part had apparently ended)...Well, he was outside pottying when "BOOM" - a huge thunderclap sounded. He DRAGGED me back to the apartment and hasn't liked thunder since.

And he, too, likes to hide in the bathroom during storms.