NEW STUDY: HOUNDS MORE LIKELY TO FEAR THUNDERSTORMS

NEW STUDY: HOUNDS MORE LIKELY TO FEAR THUNDERSTORMS

NORTH GRAFTON, Mass. (Wireless Flash) – A new study shows certain breeds of dogs are much more likely to be ’fraidy cats when it comes to thunderstorms. Researchers from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine studied 69 dogs with thunderstorm phobias and discovered more than half were hounds and herding dogs such as collies. Dr. Nicholas Dodman says the findings suggest fear of thunderstorms might be a genetic trait passed on by certain breeds. He regularly treats dogs with thunderstorm phobia and says the disorder can cause pooches to drool, tremble or even destroy their owners’ furniture out of anxiety. The new study appears in the latest Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association.

Thu 07-12-01