Some people love it when it’s the season of rainy weather. They get to cuddle and snuggle in the comfort of their homes with the rain pouring hard outside. But have you noticed that your dog looks like he is afraid and trying to hide from the sound of thunder?
In fact, dogs are very sensitive to sounds. They have heightened sense of hearing thus they are very reactive to the loud thunder. Imagine a soft sound which you can hear very well and very clear. If you heard a loud, immediate sound like a thunder during the storm, wouldn’t if freak you out since it was too loud for you? That’s how a dog feels about loud sounds.
Thus, dogs seek refuge during storms under your bed, under the table, or even digging through the pillows in your couch. Of course, your dog feels threatened that’s why he is trying to hide.
Below are the guidelines on what to do first to keep your dog calm during a storm.
Things to do when your dog is afraid of the thunder
1. Know what makes your dog calm
Knowing what calms your dog will make you prepared for the storm. There are a lot of things that can calm dogs. An example would be the mixed extract of certain herbs.
Some of these herbs allow our canine companions to settle their mind and relax during a storm. These mixed extracts are usually available commercially in pet stores and among small time dog breeders.
What you have to do is to add this extract into your dog’s water bowl. Once your dog drinks the water, it would reduce your dog’s stress and tension even during the storm.
Other dogs have a particular comfort food that can help them calm whenever they eat it. Some dogs would prefer delicious and chewy treats to keep them busy during a storm.
2. Create a safe area for your pet
This step allows you to leave your pet safe, calm, and sleeping soundly even when you went away. This safe area could be a dog crate, the bathroom, or even a closet. You can add anything as long as your dog would feel comfortable enough to make him realize that it is his safe place.
Most of these doggie safe places have lots of blankets included, pillows, or even a dog bed as long as it would help your canine companion to feel secure in his own space. You will be able to observe that your dog will recognize it as a safe place if he gets to run to it every time he feels frightened or scared.
If you have a spacious house with lots of spare rooms, you may consider letting your dog stay in one. You might also have to customize it in a way that he feels safe and secure. Added soundproofing would ensure that your dog will enjoy his quiet time inside the room with no obstructions of any kind.
3. Distracting your dog
This is one of the surefire ways to make your dog calm during a storm. Although this method is a very good way to make your dog not afraid of the storm, you might have to stay beside your dog most of the time. You will not be able to perform this step if you are away.
Aside from the fact that you’re distracting your dog, you are training him to associate with the storm positively. One example of a distraction is playtime. You can introduce various toys to your dog prior to a storm. Some toys can be inserted with food or treats inside.
There are even balls that can be loaded up with dog food pellets to make him interested in playing. Also, other toys like a customized raw hide bone can be usually loaded up with treat paste that is included in the purchase.
Besides toys, there are commercially sold treats that are specifically made to make dogs stay calm. Chewy treats like these ones aim to make your dog has reduced anxiety during a storm. Just provide him the treats during a storm and he will be feeling secure and fine.
This video reveals tips that will help your dog through things like fireworks or thunderstorms.
4. Being there with your dog
If you are sitting comfortably in your couch while your dog is getting afraid, then you may have to just be with him. Allow him to sit with you on the couch during the storm while the both of you are watching the television.
Sometimes, dogs that have no doggie companions only have their owners with them. And during the times that they feel afraid, they would feel settled and fine if their owner is with them comforting them while they are huddling up. Caressing your dog and making him stay near you will surely calm his heart during the storm.
5. Training your dog
Training will give you and your dogs various benefits. One of them is that training serves both as mental and physical exercise for your dog. With ample and consistent training, your dog will be able to help himself stay calm by himself.
A wide range of training regimen can be conducted to exercise and stimulate him mentally and physically inside your home. Even basic tricks such as sit, stay, and playing dead can make your dog focus even during a storm.
Thus, it would definitely help during a bad weather since your dog can calm all by himself even without your supervision. Even though he is alone, he will be able to handle himself during a rain shower. What more if you are present with your dog during the storm. Thus, doggie training is a good way to make your dog stay calm.
Being concerned with your dog’s fear and worry about the storm makes you a good dog owner. Just follow these steps and hopefully, it will make your dog stay calm whenever the rain’s pouring outside.
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