Furkids - Thunderstorms and Storm Anxiety

My first cairn, Lady Sassy Frassy, was absolutely terrified of thunderstorms. If she was outside, she would run the fence line frantic. Once we got her in the house, we put her in a small bathroom where she would cower behind the toilet. We did not know how to help - and that was long before Col. Potter cairn expertise.

It's once again storm season and many furkids are experiencing severe storm anxiety - and their families searching for ways to help them.

Charlotte wrote on CRM:
THANK YOU to whoever posted the link for the Thundershirt. After reading your post and a few endorsements on the site, I took the leap of faith and ordered a shirt... Twice
now, my nine year old Bogey (aka CPCRN's Brigey) has relaxed enough to sleep
through storms. I consider this a minor miracle -- what a find! We love it! http://www.thundershirt.com/
Charlotte in Lawrence, KS (where it's thundering just now), Mom to Bogey and Pearl (rescue Westie)

Others have used the Anxiety Wrap. available http://www.anxietywrap.com/

Then Pam in FL has been using Melatonin:
We also are having some whopper thunderstorms with lots of
noise and lightning flashes and my terrier mix Charlie gets quite frantic, so I
tried it on him - I think its making a difference! Its fast acting, so I have
been giving it to him at the first rumble. It just seems to 'take the edge off',
but doesn't knock him out. I have the Schiff's Melatonin Plus w/ Theanine
(http://www.walgreens.com/store/product.jsp?CATID=100182&id=prod3189678) and give one pill.

And Sheryl in Winthrop, MA suggests:

You might try a combination of 2 of the Bach Flower Remedies:
Rescue Remedy and Mimulus for "Fear of worldly things, illness, pain, accidents,
poverty, of dark, of being alone, of misfortune. The fears of everyday life.".
10 drops of each in the water bowl. Effectiveness varies from dog to dog, but
might be worth a try.

Here is a link to an article by Dr. Jon on PetPlace.com: http://www.petplace.com/dogs/fear-of-thunder-sounds-or-noises/page1.aspx. Dr. Jon also offers melatonin dosage http://www.petplace.com/dogs/advice-for-big-dog-with-thunderstorm-fears/page1.aspx

I hope you find a solution to your furkids storm anxiety - so you can both enjoy these seasonal light shows!