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Learn why thunder and lightning frighten dogs and how you can help them stay calm.
Updated on July 30th, 2025

Discover how to choose the best supplements for your pet’s health, from essential vitamins to joint support and digestion aids. Learn age-specific and seasonal supplement tips for cats and dogs.
Updated on June 19th, 2026
This article explains how a dog's sense of smell can influence behavior by means of pheromones.
Updated on June 19th, 2026
Interested in knowing if your dog needs supplements for allergies? Check out Petco’s guide to learn which supplements might help your dog with allergies.
Updated on June 19th, 2026
How to Dog Anxiety Training guide. Learn how to train dogs with anxiety at your neighborhood Petco.
Updated on October 23rd, 2025
Poor King! If he is fearful about being handled and bites you when you try to put on the Thundershirt, this probably isn't a good option for him right now - trying to get it on him is likely causing a lot of stress, and is also dangerous for you due to the risk of being bitten. Instead, you might want to try a DAP pheromone diffuser, or a natural calming supplement like Zylkene or Composure for situations that tend to make him anxious - these can be helpful for some fearful dogs. If these things don't help much, you could talk to your veterinarian about whether prescription medication might be a good option for him, or make an appointment with a veterinary behaviorist for a more complete evaluation and treatment plan to help address the problem. You can search for a board-certified veterinary behaviorist in your area here: www.dacvb.org
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is commonly known as noise phobia. Actually one of my own dogs suffers from this so I will also tell you based on my experience. These types of behaviors can be modified with the help of dog behaviorists who specialize in these types of conditions. These specialists are hard to find as there are not many in the country. In my case, the thunder shirt helped my dog to the point that she acts pretty much normal with it on. There are medications like Trazodone that can help reduce anxiety. This is something that you can obtain from your veterinarian and is likely going to help reduce the anxiety caused by the thunder. Good luck and have a great day!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
This is a difficult question, as the recommendation for which medications or therapies to start for anxiety are very individualized to the patient and the specific things that are triggering their episodes. If you haven't tried some over-the-counter therapies such as a Thundershirt ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/thundershirt-heather-gray-dog-anxiety-solution ) or a pheromone diffuser ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/thunderease-calming-diffuser-kit-for-dogs ) those are often good places to start. If these aren't helping you will need to consider consulting with a vet, who can prescribe Prozac or another anxiety medication, along with behavior modification therapy.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Hi and thank you for using PetCoach! You can always try the ThunderShirt which can be purchased at your local Pet Supplies Store or Amazon. It has mixed reviews, but may be worth a try! Calming chewables with L-Theanine in them can help as well. There are lots of different kinds available, but I recommend these (linked below). https://www.amazon.com/VetriScience-Laboratories-Composure-Medium-Large/dp/B001WOOC9S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1505057605&sr=8-1&keywords=Vetri+Science+Calming+Chew Having Tux in an area of the house where he cannot hear or see the storm can help as well (comfortable basement area ). I hope this helps and best wishes to you and Tux!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
A pheromone collar, such as the Adaptil collar, may help decrease anxiety. Gradual desensitization is also strongly recommended. Calming chews, such as Composure chews (by VetriScience) may help but they are not "magic pills". You will need to modify her behavior. This may require the assistance of a certified trainer.
Updated on September 24th, 2025