Dogs experiencing thunderstorm anxiety can be difficult to handle. Not only are they hard to manage, but it can also be stressful to see them so anxious. If your pet runs for cover every time a storm blows in, knowing what to do to make them less frightened could make your life - and theirs - much easier.
You may not be able to alleviate all of your dog's anxiety during storms, but there are a few measures you can take to help relieve some of the stress.
If you're calm, your dog is more likely to be calm. Dogs can read our emotions, and they tend to follow our lead.
With summer come the inevitable thunderstorms. Thankfully, these loud, flashy storms don't seem to give some dogs a moment's pause. Other pups suffer tremendous bouts of anxiety when thunderstorms roll in.
The primary culprit that's driving your dog crazy is the loud noise these storms make. Anecdotal reports suggest that static electricity buildup during thunderstorms irritates some dogs, but there's no conclusive evidence this is what's upsetting your dog. It's also possible changes in barometric pressure alert your dog to a coming storm, but thunder's booming echo is probably what's scaring them, just like with fireworks.
Every dog is different. Some go ballistic when they hear a crack of thunder. Others experience a quiet anxiety, where they almost seem to be paralyzed. Some dogs bark like crazy, and others hide away. All of these stress behaviors indicate something is up with your dog.
An especially stormy stretch of weather may bring on even more stress symptoms, such as a loss of appetite, hair loss due to excessive chewing, and excessive sleeping or moping.
Some dogs benefit from an anxiety wrap before, during, and after a thunderstorm. First, ensure you have an anxiety wrap specifically designed for dogs, which you can easily purchase online or from your local pet store. The wrap should be the right size for your dog, fitting snugly but comfortably around their torso.
Before the thunderstorm starts, gently put the wrap on your dog, following the instructions provided with the product. The wrap should apply a constant, gentle pressure on your dog's body, imitating the feeling of being hugged or swaddled.
The theory behind this is that it triggers a calming effect in the nervous system and can help reduce your dog's anxiety. In our experience, these wraps work wonders for some dogs, while other dogs don't respond as much (or just don't like wearing clothing at all). It just depends on your dog.
Be sure to use the wrap on clear days first, so your dog doesn't associate it with something negative. Reassure your dog with soothing tones and positive reinforcement while using the wrap. It may or may not work for your dog, but an anxiety wrap is definitely worth a try.
The wrap doesn't replace the need for comfort and reassurance from you, but it can help during times of stress.
Of course, you can't stop thunderstorms from coming. However, you can try to make these events less stressful for your dog. Hopefully, these tips will help you and your own dogs make it through storm season without too much anxiety. As you provide your dog support and a safe environment, they may also learn to overcome their fear over time.