0
0
Does your dog get frightened when it’s storming outside?
Molly (my pug) doesn’t pay too much attention to storms unless the lightning is severe- then she’ll sit halfway up (if she’s lying down) and just look at me. She’s looking to me for reassurance. When I tell her it’s OK, she lies back down.
My neighbor has a dog that howls when it storms. If it storms all night, he howls all night. How do I know? Yep… I get to listen to him howl all night.
Dogs can sense a storm brewing
Dogs start really noticing storms between the ages of two and four. As your dog ages, his/her storm anxiety may get worse. Dogs that are afraid of storms tend to hide, whine, scratch excessively, or slobber a lot. No one is really sure what part of a storm causes dogs the most stress- the noise, the flashing light or maybe even low-frequency rumblings that we can’t hear. Veterinarians do think that dogs have special sensitivities that make storms terrifying to them and dogs can sense a change in air pressure before a storm.
Here’s some tips on how you can minimize your dog’s anxiety when it’s storming:
-
It’s very important that you stay calm.
- Your dog can sense when your frightened and he/she will react to the fear that you show. Stay calm and talk in a soft voice, even if you are frightened.
-
Make sure your dog has a safe place to go if they get frightened.
- An indoor dog kennel works great. Your dog may feel safer inside of the kennel during a storm. Leave the door of the kennel open so your dog can come and go as he/she wants. Put your dog’s toys and maybe his/her favorite blanket in the kennel.
-
If your dog sleeps with you (like mine does), minimize the light from the lightning by closing the blinds and windows.
- The light flashing constantly can cause additional stress to your dog. Try to minimize the noise too… if possible. Play some soft music so the thunder isn’t as loud. My pug (Molly) likes to burrow beneath the covers when it starts lightning and thundering – she feels safe there.
-
Try distracting your dog with games, toys, etc… during a storm.
- Or… maybe give your pug a belly rub. Anything you can do with your dog to distract them from the storm will help with unneeded anxiety.
-
Wrapping your dog tightly in a blanket sometimes helps with anxiety.
- We used to do that with our pug and it makes them feel safe and snug.
-
If your pet is having severe anxiety, consult your veterinarian.
- Your vet can possibly recommend a low dose of an anti-anxiety medication.
-
The most important thing to remember about helping your dog with anxiety is to stay calm with your dog and keep him/her close to you.
- Dogs feel safe when they are sitting with or close to their humans so keep them close to you during a storm.
Practice positive reinforcement and do not scold or punish your dog if he shows signs of anxiety. Remember… a dog’s anxiety is not about disobedience, but about fear.
Until next time,
Hugs and Pug Kisses,
Candy
Sources:
https://www.thesprucepets.com/dogs-and-thunderstorm-phobia-1117896
