Put them on your Instead, cuddle and maybe even hug your dog, pet them a lot, talk to them, allow them to sit on your lap or curl up by your feet. Some dogs need constant comfort during storms and this is not possible to provide all of the time. Right before we evacuated our riverfront home, one of our upstairs outside doors came crashing through the house, making a … There are a variety of reasons for why your dog may be scared or show fear during a thunderstorm. If your dog’s behavior doesn’t improve, find a positive trainer to help you and your dog work through relaxation protocols. You do not have to stick to just one toy or treat either, you can rotate and switch between a few different toys or treats that your dog enjoys to help them stay occupied for the duration of the storm. 7 Things You Can Do to Help. She is particularly fond of the Northern breeds, especially Alaskan Malamutes. This may be a long process requiring a lot of patience but in the end your dog will be much more comfortable during a storm. In these “dark times,” most canines will whine, bark, hide, urinate on the floor, or show other anxious responses when a thunderstorm rolls through. Never force your dog out of their preferred safe space. If your dog is severely anxious, try to keep a stash on hand. When shopping around for a new pet, it is only natural to want to avoid dangerous dog breeds. Many dogs are bothered by loud noises, such as the sounds of a vacuum cleaner, firecrackers exploding or for many dogs it’s thunder that has them diving under the bed or pacing the floor. During thunderstorms, when your dog is showing fear and anxiety, it's crucial to avoid punishing them or using any time of negative reinforcement. Dr. Ellen Britt has loved dogs since she was a child. Here are six different things that you can do or provide to help reduce your dog’s fears and help them remain comfortable during a thunderstorm. The vet will then be able to provide you with the best advice as well as offer some other solutions to help your dog stay calm during thunderstorms, some of which may include anti-anxiety medications. Possible Reasons Your Dog Is Afraid Of Thunder Summer Showers, pt 1: 3 by: Neil Kilgore The darkening on the horizon, the clouds swelling over head, the smell of … If it is the noise from a thunderstorm that bothers your dog (which is most often the case), try using a white-noise machine to help reduce or silence the thunder. Simply turn on the machine when there’s a storm and allow it to run for as long as there is outside noise that bothers your dog. If your dog is not crate trained, make a safe space for him in a bathroom or in a corner. Having familiar items available along with a comfortable area will ensure that your dog has a safe space with a familiar feel and smell that will comfort them. To make your dog associate the space with comfort, you might want to feed them there at least a few times. Let your dog decide: Notice where they go during a storm, and if possible, allow access to it. 2. Because of their acute hearing, these sounds seem louder to dogs than to us. Is your dog scared of thunder?While it may seem overly dramatic to some folks, it is in fact a real phobia – and according to experts, should not be taken lightly. You can find these storm sounds online and play them in the background as you play with him or feed him. Be sure to provide your vet with the measures that you have taken to help your dog during storms. White-noise machines work by playing soft noises or sounds that drown out noises from outside, which is perfect in these cases. You want to offer an area for your dog to escape to when a storm hits. In addition to providing a safe space for your dog to go to when they are scared of a thunderstorm, offer them comfort, if they seek it out. By offering them comfort you will be able to reinforce that they are in a safe place and decrease their level of anxiety and stress. This will give them the full picture of what happens during a storm. All rights reserved. How To Dose CBD CBD is great for situational anxiety like fireworks … because it works quickly. Try some soothing products such as an anxiety vest or white-noise machine. Dog Behaviorist vs Dog Trainer: Which One Is Right for You? Dog Scared of Thunderstorms? What To Do When Your Dog Gets Sprayed By A Skunk. There are several measures you can take to calm your dog … You cannot explain to a dog why it shouldn’t be scared, or tell the dog that the frightening thing won’t hurt it or is going away soon — they do not have the cognitive abilities to understand those concepts. Does the thought of being the twentieth person in your neighborhood to get a Lab make you itch? Put his bed there and some favorite toys, along with his water bowl. Here’s what you can do to help your anxious four … Not all dogs will hide during thunderstorms, so a safe place may not be their preferred way to seek comfort and it's been proven that dogs experience relief from fear when being as close as possible to their owners. According to Dr. Ragen T.S. Using a snug fitting cloth “shirt” such as the Thundershirt brand, helps many dogs feel less anxious. Blue-Eyed Beauties: 11 Blue-Eyed Dog Breeds, Most Popular Egyptian Dog Breeds in the United States, Ooh-la-la: 11 Most Popular French Dog Breeds in the United States. Each of these steps can be implemented one at a time or your can offer a variety of these solutions to your dog to help find relief sooner rather than later. A place to share your furry friends with others, 15 Ways Your Dog Is Trying To Tell You He’s Stressed, Help! Learn why and how you can help soothe your dog. Machines like this one come in a variety of sizes with different features, including the option to choose from a selection of noises such as ocean waves, static, soft music, and more. If they are used to having a pillow or stuffed animal, make these items available, too. Is your dog scared of thunder? The first thing to do is to create a safe space for your dog, somewhere to which he can retreat when he hears thunder and becomes fearful. Finally, if these things do not help, visit your vet for a thorough examination and additional solutions. 7 Things You Can Do to Help. Or the stark contrast to typical brown eyes? The loud bangs and flashes that fireworks create are frightening for them. Woofpost.com Content Now Syndicated On Infotainment Network News And talk Sites, What To Do About Your Dog’s Allergies – Part Two, A Belgian Malinois Named Roux Demonstrates This Breed’s Protective Nature, Preschoolers Do Better In Families That Have A Dog, The Belgian Laekenois Becomes The Latest AKC Recognized Breed. What To Do If Your Dog is Scared of Fireworks? Sit by her/him and pet her when it's thundering out, or there are fireworks going off. However, such medications There are different ways that owners can help their dog stay calm and comfortable during a thunderstorm. If your dog is crate trained, you are already one step ahead, as … The first thing to do is to create a safe space for your dog, somewhere to which he can retreat when he hears thunder and becomes fearful. One product that can be purchased to help dogs with anxiety during storms or otherwise, are dog anxiety vests. 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