How to calm a dog with weather anxiety?
Francisca Durgan
2025-08-21 06:41:46
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Dogs who hate loud, high pitched or sudden noises can often struggle with thunderstorms. While storm anxiety is a common problem, there are some ways you can help your dog to stay calm. If you know a storm is on its way, you can help your dog to get settled beforehand. Prepare a safe, enclosed space for them to rest. You can also try an Adaptil product, such as a plug-in diffuser or spray, which contain pheromones, which encourage your dog to feel calm. Provide background noise by switching the TV or radio on to something soothing, like calming music or a talking station, to keep your dog company and muffle the early sounds of a storm. Keep yourself calm and act as you normally would, as it will help them if they see that you are not concerned about the storm. Give your dog space indoors and let them pace around, whine and hide in a corner if they want to. Offer a distraction, such as a fun game or tasty treat puzzles, to take their attention off the storm and reduce their worry. Dog chews are also a great way for dogs to self-soothe, especially if they are prone to chewing on furniture when stressed.
Mazie Bernhard
2025-08-14 15:53:59
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Having a safe place for your dog to retreat to when it’s storming is a great way for them to find comfort. This space could be a kennel, a bed or even a small room and should include comfortable bedding and some of their favorite toys. Calming music can help dogs relax during a storm. Scientific studies have found that classical music, reggae and even soft rock can be calming to dogs, and now, streaming services have music and playlists designed specifically to help calm dogs. Some dogs wish to be close to their humans during a storm, so providing support through physical touch, talking to them calmly or even just your proximity can bring comfort. Above all, be kind and patient with your dog throughout the thunderstorm. By remaining calm and setting a good example, you’ll help him ride out the storm. Some dogs may benefit from medical or nutraceutical assistance through their veterinarian. These products can help calm and relax dogs when given before a storm passes through.
Pete Brakus
2025-08-03 23:25:23
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Give your dog a safe place to go during a storm. When dogs are afraid, they go where they feel the most safe – a kennel, the closet, under the covers in the bed. Be cool during a storm. Consoling your dog when he’s scared can reinforce his fearful behavior. Be present. Don’t fuss too much. Distract him from the noise by giving your dog attention in the form of something he likes – throwing a ball, brushing his hair, sharing popcorn. Try a Thundershirt – This snug shirt wraps around your dog and applies gentle, constant pressure, similar to swaddling a baby. Supplement the scary sounds with music, TV, or white noise. Some certified veterinary behaviorists say classical music works magic on scared pets. Most importantly, ask your vet for help.
Laverne Sanford
2025-08-03 23:22:30
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The best thing you can do for your dog is to let them go to their safe space, and not punish them for any behavior during thunderstorms, including destruction and whining. Dogs like going to a space like their crate or a dark closet during a thunderstorm because it’s familiar and soothing. Dogs descended from wolves and were in dens, and so they still like den-like environments. So giving them that smaller space eliminates anything sneaking up on them. If they’re in an enclosed space where they are comfortable and familiar, that’s going to be more soothing to them.
You can play white noise — or classical music is especially calming to dogs. Talking in a soothing manner, and, if your dog likes it, pet them in long, calming strokes. Chew and puzzle toys can also help your dog during a thunderstorm. If your dog gets destructive, chewing and licking are self-soothing behaviors. If your dog naturally tends to do those things when they’re upset, giving them positive outlets for that can be really helpful.
Any of those would be super good for dogs. If they like their crate, give them those fun things in there. Calming treats, CBD oil, KONGs filled with peanut butter or kibble, or anxiety vests can be helpful.