As thunderstorms can be a frightening experience for both dogs and their owners, it is important to know how to keep your dog calm during a storm. There are a few things you can do to help ease your dog’s anxiety, including providing a safe space, using calming pheromones, and desensitizing them to the sound of thunder. With a little preparation, you can help your dog weather any storm.
For many dog owners, thunderstorms can be a scary time – not just for them, but for their dogs as well. Dogs may become anxious and stressed during a storm, and this can lead to destructive behaviors like chewing, barking and even trying to escape the house. While it’s impossible to make a storm go away, there are some things you can do to help your dog stay calm during one.
Why Dogs Are Afraid Of Thunderstorms
No one knows for sure why dogs are afraid of thunderstorms, but there are a few theories. One is that they can sense the barometric pressure changes that happen before a storm. Another is that they can hear the storm coming long before we can, and the sound scares them. Dogs also have a very acute sense of smell, and they may be able to smell rain or lightning before we can.
Whatever the reason, dogs who are afraid of thunderstorms often show signs of stress, including panting, pacing, shaking, hiding or trying to escape. If your dog is displaying any of these behaviors during a storm, it’s important to stay calm yourself and try to provide reassurance. This may mean simply petting your dog and speaking in a soothing voice, or it could mean getting up and moving to another room if your dog seems particularly agitated.
Signs That Your Dog Is Afraid of Thunderstorms
Thunderstorms can be a scary experience for dogs, and their fearfulness is often compounded by the fact that they don’t understand what’s happening. If your dog is afraid of thunderstorms, there are a few things you can do to help them through the experience. Here are some signs that your dog is afraid of thunderstorms:
- Your dog may start to pant or pace back and forth when a storm is brewing. This is because they sense the change in barometric pressure and know that something is about to happen.
- Your dog may try to hide under furniture or in their crate when they hear the first rumble of thunder. This is their instinctual way of trying to make themselves small and protected from whatever is causing the noise.
- If your dog starts shaking or trembling, this is another sign that they’re scared.
- If your dog tries to hide behind you, this is a sign that they’re just looking for comfort and reassurance. This is why it’s important to comfort them and let them know you’re there for them.
- They’re trying to keep themselves warm, but they’re also stressed out. Your dog may whine and howl during the storm. Again, this is their way of letting you know that they’re feeling anxious and afraid.
How To Keep Your Dog Calm During A Thunderstorm
Thunderstorms can be a scary time for your furry friend. Dogs have an acute sense of hearing and can pick up on the low frequencies that thunder emits. This can cause your dog to become anxious and stressed. There are a few things you can do to help keep your dog calm during a thunderstorm:
-Provide a safe space for your dog to go to during the storm. This could be their crate or a small room where they feel comfortable.
-Give them lots of cuddles and reassurance during the storm. Let them know that you’re there for them and everything is going to be okay.
-Distract them with toys or treats. If they are focused on something else, they may not be as scared of the thunder.
– If your dog is highly anxious, look into some medications that can help to calm them down. This could include a sedative or anti-anxiety medication from your vet.
– Stay near your dog during the storm and reassure them that you are there for them.
– Play some soothing music to help mask the sound. You can also turn on a television or radio or leave the TV or radio on during the storm so that they are focused on something else.
Final Thoughts:
It is important to remember that dogs are individuals and will therefore react to thunderstorms in different ways. Some may remain calm while others may become agitated. The best way to ensure your dog remains calm during a thunderstorm is to provide them with a safe space, such as a crate, and to stay calm yourself. If your dog does become agitated, do not punish them, as this will only make the situation worse. The most important thing to remember is to just be there for your dog through the whole process. Your presence and reassurance is far more genuine and effective than anything you could ever do for them.