Thunderstorm Anxiety in Dogs | Part One
Does your canine pal become a quivering ball of fur when a storm rolls in? If so, he’s not the only one. Many dogs are scared of storms. The jury is still out on why storms scare dogs so much. It could be because of sounds, low pressure, static electricity, or just the chaotic feel of them. Whatever the case, there are things you can do to help your furry best friend feel safer. A Coral Springs, FL vet offers some suggestions on this below.
Walks
Whenever possible, walk Fido before the skies get dark. It will also help to tire your pup out with a vigorous play session. If your pooch has burned off his excess energy, he’ll be more likely to nap through the storm.
Background Noise
When the storm starts, turn a radio or TV on. This will help to mask the noise, which can keep your canine friend calmer.
Dryer Sheet
Another thing you can try is running an unscented dryer sheet over your cute pet’s coat. If static cling is an issue, this may help.
Training
If your canine buddy is really terrified of storms, try working on desensitizing him. One way to do this is to play recordings of storms. You can gradually increase the volume as your furry pal gets used to it.
Crate
If your four-legged pal hasn’t been crate-trained yet, we recommend doing this ASAP. A crate can provide a comfy, safe little ‘den’ for Fido, that he always feels safe in. Ask your vet for tips on training.
Shirt
Another thing you can try is getting Fido a calming shirt. These help nervous dogs feel snug and safe, and really can make a difference. Ask your vet for more information.
Calming Products
You can find many different pet-calming products, such as collars and sprays, in pet stores. As the name suggests, these help soothe uneasy pups. Ask your vet for recommendations.
Avoid Coddling
One thing you don’t want to do is gush over your four-legged friend. This may just reinforce his behavior, and cause him to expect attention when he gets scared. It’s fine to pet or talk to your pup a little to soothe him. Just don’t go overboard here.
Please contact us, your Coral Springs, FL vet clinic, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re here to help!
