How to calm a dog with weather anxiety?
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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: 12
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.