Our furry friends can have a really bad time during thunderstorms. If your dog experiences anxiety and fear during thunderstorms, you know the stress it can cause you and your dog. Fortunately, you can help your dog deal with thunderstorm anxiety by doing a few things. The following is a list of five strategies for dealing with a dog’s fear of thunderstorms, intending to restore peace and cheer to your home.
1 Create a safe space
Your dog might feel overwhelmed and unsafe during a thunderstorm. Providing your dog with a secure environment can make them feel safer and more at ease. This space could be your dog’s favourite crate or a cosy corner of your home. Place some of their favourite blankets or toys to make the room feel more inviting. Your dog won’t be able to see or hear the storm as much if the safe space is away from windows and doors.
2 Distract Your Dog
Distracting your dog is one of the best ways to deal with its fear of thunderstorms. Put on soothing music or their favourite TV show to distract them from the storm. You could also give them a bone to chew on or a puzzle toy with their favourite snacks. The objective is to sufficiently distract your dog so it will not focus on the storm.
3 Use Calming Remedies
You can use a variety of calming remedies to help your dog feel more at ease during a storm. You can use well-known essential oils, like chamomile or lavender, for their calming effects. A few pet stores sell quieting sprays or diffusers that discharge pheromones that assist with loosening up dogs. Additionally, natural supplements like CBD or melatonin can help your dog relax. Before giving your dog any supplements, talk to your vet.
4 Provide Comfort
Your dog might want to be close to you during a storm. They may feel more secure if you make them feel at ease. To help your dog relax, you can sit with them and give them a gentle massage or pet them. You can also help your dog feel more at ease by speaking to them in a calm and reassuring voice.
5 Seek Professional Help
If your dog has a severe fear of thunderstorms, you should probably seek professional assistance. Your dog may benefit from medication that can help him or her feel more at ease during a storm, according to your veterinarian. You can also help your dog overcome their fear of thunderstorms by working with a professional dog trainer or behaviourist. Your dog can learn to cope with thunderstorms and become more relaxed with patience and the right tools.
Although dealing with a dog’s fear of thunderstorms can be difficult, it can be managed with the right approach. You can help your dog feel more at ease during thunderstorms by creating a safe space, distracting him or her, using calming remedies, providing comfort, and seeking professional assistance when necessary. Keep in mind that your pet will surely appreciate your patience and understanding. This is the most important thing. So, let’s help our furry friends weather the storm and bring some sunshine back into their lives! If you have a dog with separation anxiety, read this post about dealing with separation anxiety in dogs.
