Stressed Westie

smilerf

Lads for the last 6 months or more our westie keeps us awake every time there is a bad storm.
He never did this before. He is 8.
He roams around all night. Scratching at my door, my bed.
Then when i do let him in he just stands on the floor looking out at the hall given low growls
He shakes uncontrolably. he seems to be terrified.

Any advice much appreciated

VonVix

Dogs can be odd, they can be fine with outside noise/fireworks/bad weather for years but it just takes one experience where they get spooked and it'll stick with them. My fellas get upset when the letterbox rattles because of the wind, as if there seems to be a person there, but they can't see/sense anyone.

Is he crate trained? Might be worth setting him up a little safe place to go when he feels scared, a crate can be a great thing, lots of blankets/bedding inside and cover the top with a blanket as well.

smilerf

no he is trained but we never used a crate

boodlesdoodles

I have a westie myself round the same age and he gets fads like that too. I've taken to distraction technique of squeaking one of his toys to bring him out of the situation. Couple of squeaks and a request to leave it and he calms down.

LittleMissDiva

I have a good few Westie Owner friends which have made great experience with these thundershirts
http://www.ebay.co.uk/bhp/thundershirt