How to Calm Down Dogs During Storms

Do you have a dog that gets anxious or scared when the weather turns and the thunder rumbles? There are many things that you can do to reduce the anxiety that your dog feels when these situations occur. In the event that your pet is having full-blown anxiety attacks or other severe reactions, you should consult a vet immediately. However, if they’re shaky, tend to whine, or even just require extra attention during storms and other loud times, there are several things that you can do to help.

For starters, you should intervene as soon as you notice a problem. Even subtle signs could indicate that there is a problem:

• Hiding or going into their crate
• Pacing
• Panting
• Whining or barking
• Moving closer to a person
• Shaking
• Trying to fit into tight spaces
• Licking their lips
• Drooling
• Yawning

You want to be careful that you don’t coddle your pet, but you should provide reassurance and figure out the best way to help them through the storms. Speak calmly to them and provide reassurance in the form of pets or a blanket, depending on what they like or respond best to.

Let them hide if it helps. Allow them to be in their crate or under a blanket, or even behind the couch until the storm passes. Consider moving them to a smaller room or an interior space where the noise from outside will be duller. Make sure that you also have a plan in place for when you’re not home (extra blankets, access to their crate, etc.).

Dogs respond to human cues, in many situations. If you are acting stressed and pacing the floors watching the storm, your dog will likely get nervous, too. If you remain calm, there’s a better chance that your pup will remain calm and be able to ride out the storm.

Of course, there are also those dogs that will always panic at loud noises and storms, regardless of anything. Those are the dogs that need some extra love and TLC. Consider asking your vet if there’s anything you can do to help calm them, such as adding calming supplements like CBD or even a prescription anxiety medicine if their storm anxiety is severe. Ultimately, it’s about finding out what works best for your dog, which may take some trial and error. However, in time, you will come to learn what best calms your dog so that you can give them the best support during storms and other scary times. If you need additional help contact Dog Training Now Charleston for more advice!