How to Keep Your Dog Calm During Thunderstorms
Summer is filled with blue sky, the sunshine and hot sizzling weather to enjoy. But, it also brings along thunderstorms that can be quite scary to most dogs. If you have ever left your dog alone during a thunderstorm and came home to a disaster, your dog experienced stress during a storm. The details below will provide you with tips on how to keep your dog calm during thunderstorms.
• Calm Down – Yes. To put it nicely, you need to calm down. Your pup is wired with the ability to sense storms and changes in barometric pressure. This means your pup might start acting up before you even realize a storm is on the way. Try to learn your dog’s behavior so you can begin calming him or her down before the storm arrives. Dog’s also have the ability to sense your mood and emotions, this is the reason you need to remain calm.
• Provide a Den-Like Area – Dogs are den animals that feel safe in this type of environment. Create a small area in your home that allows your dog to go running for cover when the storm arrives. Provide a soft blanket and some toys for added comfort. Chances are your dog will rush to their den as soon as they feel uncomfortable from the approaching storm.
• Invest in Thunder Vests – There are a variety of products on the market geared towards comforting dogs during thunderstorms. Thunder vests are a common choice for most pet parents. The snug-fitting vest helps encourage calmness in dogs.
• Early Exposure – Begin getting your pup comfortable around thunderstorms as soon as you bring him or her home. Since it doesn’t rain all year round you could invest in some environmental recordings of storms. Your pup will get used to hearing the loud noise and assume it is a natural part of their new environment.
• Be a Good Example – Some dog owners are also fearful of thunderstorms and lightning. Let’s face it, almost everyone at some point in their life has jumped or screamed when a sudden lightning bolt and thunderclap hit close to the area. Try your best to set a good example. Teach your dog a routine when the storm hits. Show him or her that it is safe to eat, drink water and relax on the sofa during storms.
• Distract Your Dog – Some dog owners find that distracting your dog during thunderstorms works great! If you have surround sound on your television or stereo you can crank up a movie or music to cover the loud sounds from the thunderstorm. In addition, you can play toys or games with your dog to keep him or she entertained.
Since dogs can “feel” a thunderstorm approaching it is difficult to keep them calm from the beginning. Observing your dog’s behavior right before a storm approaches is essential to begin the calming process. If you leave your dog home alone while you go to work or run errands, allow your dog to have access to his or her den and put their thunder vest on them before you leave the house. Every dog is different so it might take a few different tactics to calm your dog during storms. But never give up, keep trying!
