Storms can be an overwhelming experience for many dogs. From the loud booms of thunder to flashing lightning and heavy rain, it's no wonder dogs can become anxious or scared. As pet owners, we want to ensure our dogs feel safe and comfortable, even during the wildest weather. Here are some practical tips to help keep your dog calm when storms roll in, ensuring a more peaceful experience for both you and your furry friend.
1. Create a Cosy Safe Space
Dogs often seek out a quiet, enclosed spot when they’re feeling scared. You can help by creating a cosy den where they feel safe during storms. This space could be a crate with their favourite blanket, a corner of the house away from windows, or even under a table where they naturally gravitate.
Make this spot even more inviting by adding soft bedding, familiar smells (like an old T-shirt), and their favourite toys. If your dog is crate trained, this can be an ideal place for them to retreat to since they already associate it with security.
2. Use Calming Aids
There are several products designed to reduce anxiety in dogs, and they can be particularly useful during storms. Consider using:
- Calming Coats or Thundershirts: These snug-fitting jackets provide gentle pressure around your dog’s torso, which can have a calming effect, similar to how swaddling soothes a baby.
- Calming Sprays or Diffusers: Products containing dog-safe essential oils, like lavender, or synthetic pheromones can help reduce stress. These can be sprayed on bedding or released via a diffuser in the room where your dog rests.
- Calming Chews: There are various natural supplements, including calming chews, designed to reduce anxiety. Always consult your vet before introducing any new supplements to ensure they are safe for your dog.
3. Stay Calm Yourself
Dogs are incredibly in tune with their owner's emotions. If you're feeling stressed or anxious during a storm, they may pick up on this and become more uneasy. It’s important to stay as calm and relaxed as possible. Speak to your dog in a soothing voice and offer reassurance without being overly attentive, as this can sometimes reinforce their fear.
If possible, engage in normal activities to show them there’s nothing to be worried about. Watch TV, read a book, or do household chores while keeping an eye on their comfort.
4. Distract with Play and Activities
Sometimes, a good distraction is all a dog needs to take their mind off a storm. If your dog enjoys playing, try to engage them in fun activities such as a game of fetch, tug-of-war, or interactive toys that challenge them mentally, like puzzle feeders.
For dogs that enjoy chewing, offering a long-lasting chew toy can help keep them occupied and distract them from the storm’s noise. However, only do this if your dog is comfortable engaging – for some, storms can be too overwhelming for play.
5. Provide White Noise
One of the reasons dogs fear storms is the loud, sudden noises they bring. You can mask these sounds with white noise to help them feel more secure. White noise machines, fans, or even the TV or radio can provide a consistent background noise that drowns out the thunder and reduces their anxiety.
There are even playlists and soundtracks specifically designed for dogs that you can play during storms. These often feature calming music or sounds that have been shown to reduce stress in pets.
6. Desensitise Your Dog to Storm Sounds
If your dog’s storm anxiety is severe, you might want to start working on desensitisation. This involves gradually introducing your dog to the sounds of storms when no actual storm is happening. You can find storm soundtracks online or through apps.
Start by playing the sounds at a low volume while rewarding your dog with treats or praise for staying calm. Over time, you can gradually increase the volume, helping your dog become less reactive to the noise. This method works best when started well in advance of storm season and should always be done gradually to avoid overwhelming your dog.
7. Use Positive Reinforcement
Whenever your dog displays calm behaviour during a storm, reward them with treats, affection, or praise. This positive reinforcement can help them associate storms with good things. For example, if your dog lies down quietly or shows signs of relaxing, offer a treat to reinforce that behaviour.
On the flip side, try not to coddle or reward anxious behaviour. While it’s natural to want to comfort a scared dog, excessive attention can sometimes reinforce their fear, making them think that there really is something to be worried about.
8. Close Curtains and Create a Calm Environment
The flashing of lightning can be just as frightening as the sound of thunder for some dogs. Closing the curtains or blinds can help reduce this visual stimulus. If your dog is particularly sensitive to storms, consider setting up their safe space in an interior room away from windows where the noise and light from the storm will be less intense.
You can also create a calm environment by dimming the lights and ensuring there are no sudden changes in your home’s atmosphere. Keeping things quiet and familiar can go a long way in reducing anxiety.
9. Consider Professional Help
In extreme cases of storm anxiety, your dog may need professional help to manage their fears. Consulting a veterinarian or a certified animal behaviourist can provide you with additional tools and techniques to help your dog cope. Vets may recommend anti-anxiety medication or other treatments that can make a significant difference, especially if the anxiety is severe or disruptive.
Behaviourists can also work with you on desensitisation techniques or counter-conditioning, where your dog learns to associate storms with positive experiences rather than fear.
10. Plan Ahead
If you know a storm is approaching, take steps to prepare in advance. Walk your dog before the storm hits to ensure they’ve had some exercise and a chance to relieve themselves before the bad weather starts. If possible, stay home with them during the storm, as your presence can be very reassuring.
Preparing early allows you to set up their safe space, turn on white noise, and have calming aids ready before the first rumble of thunder. Planning ahead can make a big difference in how your dog responds when the storm arrives.
Summary
Every dog is different, and it may take a combination of these techniques to find what works best for your furry friend. Storms are stressful for many dogs, but with the right tools and support, you can help them feel calmer and more secure.
Remember, the key is to create an environment where your dog feels safe and comfortable. Whether it's a cosy den, soothing sounds, or your calming presence, the more you can do to ease their anxiety, the better equipped they’ll be to handle the next storm that comes their way. 🌩️🐶