After being awake with a worried dog for most of last night’s incredible storm, I was thinking about how to help our dogs when storms happen. Our dogs can feel anxious and scared by a loud clap of thunder or a bright flash of lightning. Here are some ways to help your dog weather the storm with a little less stress:
- Create a Safe Haven: Designate a cosy spot in your home where your dog can go during the storm. Make sure it’s away from windows and doors to minimize exposure to the sights and sounds of the storm.
- Provide Comfort: Comfort your dog with soothing words, gentle petting, and maybe even some calming treats or toys. Your reassuring presence can go a long way in easing their anxiety. You can also give your dog a big yawn and sigh—this is how dogs let each other know that everything is alright, and we can use it, too.
- Mask the Noise: Turn on some background noise like calming music or white noise to help drown out the sound of thunder. There are recordings of calming music for dogs on YouTube that you can play on a low volume. Close curtains or blinds to minimize the visual stimulation from lightning flashes.
- Stay Calm: Dogs are incredibly perceptive and can pick up on our emotions. Stay calm and composed during the storm to help your dog feel more at ease.
- Try some desensitisation training: This you need to do ahead of time, and it takes a bit more effort. Play recordings of thunderstorms for your dog, and starting at a really low volume, sit with him or her and remain calm, perhaps sighing and yawning. Long, slow strokes of your hand from the top of your dog’s head down to the end of their tail can also help them relax. Very gradually increase the volume as you go along – but if you get to a point where they are showing signs of distress, turn the volume back down a bit. You can also reward them for staying calm by giving them lovely treats while you listen and they are calm. They will begin to associate the sounds of the storm with something good (being with you and a snack), which should help them the next time the real thing arrives.
Every dog is unique, so it may take some trial and error to find the best strategies to help yours feel safe and secure during thunderstorms. Some dogs take longer to feel alright when a storm is raging. You can help your pup weather the storm with a little patience and consideration.
