Is your dog afraid of storms? Do you always wish you could help them calm down and feel better while it’s storming outside? If this sounds like a common situation in your household, you may be looking for some solutions to help you keep your furry friend safe and calm during a storm.
In this article, we’ll show you six of our top picks for methods to help your dog calm down during bad weather. These suggestions can also be used for fireworks, so keep this in mind as well. If you have any questions, feel free to call Coyne Veterinary Center in Crown Point at (219) 267-1700.
Create a Calm Space
One of the first things you can do to help your dog right away is to create a calm space for them in your home. Choose an area of your house where they spend a lot of their time anyway, or opt for a guest room or another out-of-the-way location where they won’t be disturbed much.
Set up a bed or blanket and a dish of water in this area so they can feel protected where they are without having to travel around the house. If they get destructive when they’re afraid, you may need to put them in a crate for this.
Distract Them with Other Noises
Some dogs do well when the noise of thunder is drowned out by other noises or sounds in the household. When it storms, this might be a good time to turn up the TV or play some music. Keep it loud enough that your dog can hear it, but not too loud to make them uncomfortable.
You may also choose to invest in a white noise machine for your dog’s calm space, too. This way, you can turn up the white noise and help your dog ignore the sound of the storm rolling by outside.
Keep Their Favorite Items Close By
Keeping your dog’s favorite items near them can help them feel more at home while there’s a storm going on outside. They may be happier with their favorite blanket, chew toys, or other items that smell like them close by, and this can help them feel less stressed and nervous as well.
You may choose to add these items to your dog’s calm space or place them in the crate with them. Just be careful and monitor them if they become destructive when they’re scared, so they don’t risk chewing or swallowing or anything they shouldn’t ingest.
Invest in a Thunder Shirt
Some dogs do well with the help of a Thunder Shirt. This type of item can be used to gently but closely wrap up a dog and provide some pressure therapy at the same time. Similarly to weighted blankets for humans, thunder shirts provide comfort and feel like a soft hug to a dog.
These shirts can be pricey, however, and some dogs don’t take well to wearing them. It may be a good idea to take your dog to a pet store and ask about trying one on them first, to see how they respond to wearing it. This can help you choose whether or not to pursue this option.
Consider Aromatherapy
It may be possible to help your dog calm down with the use of aromatherapy. This type of treatment is best used in the same general area as your dog, but not directly on their body. It can be dangerous to use essential oils on a dog’s body, and some oils are safer than others for dogs to breathe in.
If you want to try aromatherapy, get an essential oil diffuser and use lavender essential oils only. Keep it near your dog’s calm space, but don’t let it blow right in their face. This can help them relax.
Talk with Your Veterinarian About Medication
Finally, if all else fails, you may be able to help your dog with medication. You should never medicate your dog for anxiety without speaking to your veterinarian first, however, since human medication does not often work the same way for dogs as it does for people.
Some dogs may be prescribed antidepressants or anxiety pills to take daily or at the time of the storm. Some vets may also recommend alternative medication treatments, such as CBD. Your vet will be able to give you the best option for your dog’s specific needs based on her health history. For more information, give us a call at (219) 267-1700.
In Conclusion
Now that you’ve seen some of the best ways to help your dog calm down during a storm, you can choose which ones might work best for your pet. These options may not all work for every dog, and it might take some trial and error to figure out the best course of action moving forward.
Take your time working with your dog, and remember to remain calm and patient as much as possible. This way, you won’t overwhelm your dog while she is already upset, and you’ll be more likely to have good results too.
