How to Calm a Dog During Thunderstorms
Beverly Ulbrich, MBA
Dog Behaviorist & Trainer
March 25, 2020
Many dogs are terrified of thunderstorms. The loud noises, static electricity,
and barometric pressure changes cause fear, anxiety, and panic. In this
state, dogs can injure themselves and damage property. Learn how to manage your
dog's fear during this frightening storm, and improve its response to the
Part 1
Calming Your Dog
Call your dog as the storm begins. Don't wait until the storm is fully underway
to find your dog. Call your dog to your side as soon as you hear thunder.
Remain calm. Your dog can sense anxiety. If you are upset, your dog will know,
and this will only make matters worse.
During a storm, give your dog no indications that something is wrong. Follow
the same routine you would any other night. Smile and speak in a calm,
reassuring tone.
• Even reassuring the dog can convince it that something is wrong. Help your
dog by being calm and happy, not by overloading it with sympathy.
• Soft singing can help calm some dogs.
Find a safe place. Find a small "safe spot" for the dog to hide. Ideally, this
spot will block light and noise, while allowing the dog to be near its owner.
Here are a few options:
• Under a table or bed
• In a dog crate, with a blanket draped over it
• In a closet or windowless bathroom
Swaddle your dog. Try wrapping a garment around your dog or let the dog huddle
under your arm on the sofa. Your dog may feel reassured by the added pressure,
much like a baby feels safe when swaddled. If this seems to help, consider
buying a special anti-anxiety garment, such as the Thundershirt or Anxiety
Wrap. The garment should be snug around the dog's chest, but make sure you get
one in the correct size for the best result, to ensure the acupressure points
throughout the body are being targeted, and to avoid injuring your dog.
• Some of these garments (Anxiety Wrap) press against acupressure points
associated with stress relief.
• If you're in hot weather conditions and are concerned about your dog
overheating, some garments (Anxiety Wrap) can be moistened with water. The air
flowing through the moistened fabric will act as a cooling agent. Always
supervise your dog if you're concerned about health/safety.
• Some of these garments are also appropriate to put on your dog and help
him/her stay calm if you need to leave the house. Consult the product directions
for safety information.
Block the noise. A loud television, music, or other source of noise (washing
machine) can help drown out the thunder.
Choose a sound your dog finds familiar and comforting.
• Covering the dog's ears can also help.
Avoid windows and the outdoors. If possible, keep your dog away from windows,
or put up heavy curtains. Seeing the flash of lightning can be an additional
source of anxiety. Block the dog's access to exits, since some scared dogs may
try to run away or harm visitors.
Play games.
Encourage your dog to participate in indoor activities. You could play fetch
or put on music and dance together. Try to find an activity that will turn
your dog's attention away from the storm.
Consider home remedies. These include herbal and homeopathic remedies to treat
anxiety. Always use remedies specifically intended for dogs. Some essential
oils that work for humans may cause discomfort or injury in animals. Less
concentrated doses are usually required as well.
• Be sure to consult your veterinarian before using, the oils are very
concentrated and can be harmful to your skin as well as your dog's. They can
also
damage furniture.
• Lavender is one popular option that seems to help dogs, when used in the
correct dose.
• Another option is petting your dog with a dryer sheet- it reduces static.
Talk to your vet about medication. If these methods are ineffective, ask your
vet about anti-anxiety medications.
Your dog can take some medications such as amitriptyline for the duration of
the storm season. There are also quick-acting medications such as acepromazine
("Ace") or diazepam that can be taken for individual storms.
• To be effective, quick-acting medications must be administered before your
dog exhibits any behavioral changes.
• Never give a dog medication without consulting a veterinarian first.
Part 2
Preventing Your Dog's Fear
Desensitize your dog.
To teach your dog that storms are nothing to fear, play a recording of a
thunderstorm on very low volume for several hours, once a week. Each week, if
the dog shows no signs of agitation, turn up the volume slightly. It can take a
long time for your dog to adapt, but eventually your dog may learn not
to fear thunder.
• If this agitates your dog too much, start with 5–10 minute daily sessions
instead.
Expert Trick: While you play thunder sounds for your dog, give them a bone to
chew on or toy to play with. Furthermore, you can give your dog treats and
give commands to keep their focus on you and make the experience a happy
occasion. This will help make thunderstorms seem like a normal experience and
keep them from getting scared during a real one.
Encourage calm behavior.
Give your dog a treat or a toy when it shows calm behavior during a storm, or
when it obeys a command despite its fear. Train it to respond to a "relax,"
"calm," or "settle" command.
• Training your dog with an indoor leash is also highly effective. For example,
treat your house like an indoor obstacle course and lead your dog around
asking him/her to perform certain commands. If at any time this appears to be
causing more stress, stop, and work on calming your dog.
Anticipate your dog's fear. To curb stress and anxiety, engage with your dog
before the storm hits. Prepare indoor activities, and make sure your dog's
safe place is set up.
• Do not punish a dog exhibiting fear or anxiety during a storm. This is not
bad behavior – your dog has a genuine phobia.
• Be patient and kind. It may take time for your dog to improve.
• If you know a thunderstorm is coming, let your dog outside to go to the
bathroom. Once the storm starts the dog is unlikely to go outside to relieve
itself.
From: https://www.wikihow.com/Calm-a-Dog-During-Thunderstorms
Richard
"He that cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he must pass
himself,” and we forget that only grace can break the cycle of ancient hatreds
among peoples. (It is notable that while I have regretted not granting grace to
others, I’ve never once regretted extending it.)" - Edward Herbert
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Shirley
Baker
Sent: Sunday, June 21, 2020 6:36 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Lightning alert
No, it's not. I happen to know some people who have used them on their dogs and
they say they help.
Sent from my iPhone
> On Jun 21, 2020, at 8:35 AM, Janet Bell <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> are you sure this just isn't a scam to get you to spend money?
>
> -----Original Message----- From: Shirley Baker
> Sent: Sunday, June 21, 2020 2:27 PM
> To: [email protected]
> Subject: Re: Lightning alert
>
> The best I understand, it's not just any sweater or teashirt but it's a
> certain kind you buy but someone who knows more can correct me if I'm wrong.
> I've heard commercials on TV about buying these special items for dogs.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Jun 21, 2020, at 8:09 AM, Janet Bell <[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>> forgive a stjupid question but what is putting a sweater on a dog when
>> there is lightening about going to do for the dog?
>>
>> -----Original Message----- From: Jennie Facer
>> Sent: Sunday, June 21, 2020 2:02 PM
>> To: [email protected]
>> Subject: Re: Lightning alert
>>
>> Simon,
>>
>> If you were paying attention to this thread, a person was wanting to put a
>> sweater on her dog that makes her feel better when lightning strikes and it
>> is thundering. She is doing it for her dog!!!
>>
>> Jenn
>>
>> Jenn and Kumi
>>
>>>> On Jun 21, 2020, at 3:49 AM, Simon A Fogarty <[email protected]> wrote:
>>>
>>> If an app is going to tell you when lightening has struck, I don't
>>> see the point?
>>>
>>> If it's struck then it's not an issue And if you're worried about it
>>> striking you when you're out, Then if it's already struck, it will
>>> be way to late to look at your phone as neither yu or your phone will be
>>> working.
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf
>>> Of Jennie Facer
>>> Sent: Sunday, 21 June 2020 9:00 AM
>>> To: [email protected]
>>> Subject: Lightning alert
>>>
>>> Hi,
>>>
>>> I have had Weather Gods for quite some time, and it has never alerted me to
>>> when lightning has struck. Other than that, I love the app.
>>>
>>> Jenn
>>>
>>> Jenn and Kumi
>>>
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