If you've ever experienced anxiety, you know how difficult it may be to overcome episodes of extreme fear and worry. We, as human beings who can think and act accordingly to our needs, can reach out for help. We can receive the information we need in order to help our anxious minds. However, one of the lessons I've come to face as a pet owner is pets are not immune to anxiety and fear.

I have an 11-year-old Yorkshire Terrier mix. He's always been a very charismatic dog, with many silly antics that entertain the entire family on a daily basis. He loves running and lounging on the couch. He's always been carefree until one fateful night in October 2012.

My dog became traumatized when Hurricane Sandy made its way to the northeast side of the United States. The strong winds made my house sway and the power went out for days. The noise of the rain and wind gusts against the outside of the house made it was caving in. Fortunately, no one in my family was injured. However, this was the first storm that my dog had an experience of this magnitude.

Humans have the capability to ask for help. Animals do not. In fact, dogs actually tend to hide if they are hurt because their instincts are to not falter because they may appear weak. Throughout the storm, however, I saw something in my dog that changed. His pupils were dilated, he panted as if he were running a marathon, he was trembling and his heart was going a million miles a minute.

Hurricane Sandy left him reacting this way whenever there is a thunderstorm or even when it's particularly windy outside to the point that it makes noise. We dread the summer because of barbecues and fireworks around the Fourth of July. We decided to do some research about how to calm dogs down when they are having a fit of anxiety since he can't search for help himself.

Home remedies include playing calming music that is specifically made for dogs that one can find on YouTube. Physical contact is something to be wary of. A person must be careful touching a dog to see how he responds to such treatment. My dog doesn't like when he is coddled, but he does like being in someone's arms when he is stressed. Other dogs, I've read, do not respond positively.

We bought a Thundershirt, which is one of my dog's favorite items of clothing. Something about the fabric and the way it provides constant pressure to a dog's midsection is comforting to the dog, I've read.

It's important to consult with your veterinarian if a dog's stress levels are very high. They can recommend treatment or prescribe medication to give to dogs when they are struggling.