anxiety wrap

DEAR DR. FOX: My 15-pound Bichon trembles whenever there's a thunderstorm. Holding her doesn't seem to calm her down.

Is there something I can give her to help? Someone suggested baby Benadryl, but what dosage?

D.R., Lake Worth, Fla.

DEAR D.R.: Ten to 15 mg of Benadryl may make your dog a bit drowsy and thirsty, helping subdue thunderphobia. But there are other, safer treatments.

Try wrapping your dog in a light cloth, binding it tight with Velcro or duct tape. An "Anxiety Wrap" is marketed for this specific purpose, having a calming effect on many sound-phobic dogs.

Some readers have told me that giving their dogs Melatonin before a storm (and on July 4!) had a calming effect. PetzLife's @-Eaze is a fast-acting calming remedy that may prove helpful for your dog. Ingredients include L-Theanine, tea and chamomile extracts that are safe and purportedly help animals relax without making them drowsy.