Summer thunderstorms can be so stressful to both you and your pet. Some pets turn to howling, hiding, shaking and even destruction! How do you and your pet weather these storms in a calmer fashion? Here are some helpful tips:
- Make sure your pet has a crate or a cozy hidey-hole to go into to escape. Dogs are naturally den animals (think about wolves) and appreciate having a cozy place to retreat to for safety.
- Turn on a radio, fan or TV to compete with the booms and cracks going on outside.
- Consider a Thunder Shirt. Animals can sense the static charge in the air. Many dogs will go sit in a bath tub to escape the charge. My blind dog, Molly, will sit up at the flash of lighting, before the delayed boom of thunder. It's impossible for her to see it, but she can feel it!
- Swaddle them in a blanket or towel.
- Distract them with a fun game of fetch! A fun activity — such as fetch, tug of war, or a new toy — gets their mind off of everything going on outside.
- Stay calm and don't neglect, but don't over coddle. Don't forget dogs feed off of our emotions! The more excited and upset you are, the more the dog will think, "Oh, they're upset, I should be upset." Also, you'll be positively reinforcing behavior you really want to stop.
- Severe cases may require a trip to the vet. There are medications available, both herbal and prescription, for the most severe cases. Talk to your vet about what would be best for your pet.
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