I heard there are three separate therapies that can help my dog overcome her storm phobia. What are they?

Do thunderstorms send Rufus through the roof? Therapies for storm phobia include medication, behavioral modification, and classical conditioning. If it's already storm season, the best option is anti-anxiety medication. Terry Curtis, a veterinary behaviorist at the University of Florida, says dog-appeasing pheromone is also useful.

It's a pheromone that mimics canine nursing mothers so it's very soothing and calming. It comes in a diffuser spray, and collar form, and so putting a collar on the dog or putting a diffuser where the dog tends to stay when there's a storm can be very helpful.

During the off-season, desensitize Rufus using behavior modification and classical conditioning. Try giving him treats while playing storm CDs.

– Dr. Andrea Looney, DVM for the “Purina® Animal Instincts” Podcast Series

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