PET OF THE WEEK: Hippolyta is a 2-year-old, striped gray tabby whose classic good looks pair well with her sweet and affectionate demeanor. Her favorite spot to lounge is the windowsill, so she can oversee the action. Her second favorite spot would be on your lap! This gal is looking for an experienced cat owner; ask for Hippolyta, ID# A826755. Adoptable pets are available at Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA’s Tom and Annette Lantos Center for Compassion, 1450 Rollins Road, Burlingame. For information, call 650-340-7022 or visit www.phs-spca.org. (Thelma Andree / Peninsula Humane Society)
Dear Miss Behavin’: My dog was terrified during the recent thunder and lightning storm. What can I do to comfort him next time a storm rolls in?
Reply: If you think about how much stronger a dog’s sense of smell or hearing is compared to ours, it’s no surprise that some dogs are quite sensitive and frightened when thunder and lightning roll in.
For dogs who run into a back room or hide under the bed or in the closet, leave them be. The storm will pass and they will eventually sense that things have stopped. As long as your dog is in a safe space and away from any potential harm, it’s best to let him hunker down.
If your dog does crawl into a tight space or hides under furniture, don’t try to force him out. This can increase his stress and potentially frighten him more. Instead, check on him every 10 or 15 minutes to see how he is coping.
Intense signs of stress include hyper salivating, excessive grooming, and sometimes lots of yawning. If you notice your dog displaying any of these behaviors during a storm, it might be worth speaking to your veterinarian.
If your dog becomes frantic during the storm, make sure gates, windows, and doors are secure and shut. A loud crack of thunder might startle your dog and activate the flight response, making him desperate to get out and away from what’s scaring him.
Finally, some dogs will seek comfort from their owners. If your dog isn’t typically allowed on the bed but is desperate to be with you, let him snuggle up until the storm has passed. This might go a long way in easing his stress the next time thunder and lightning come to town.