Storms have a way of showing beauty and turmoil all at once, making them fun to watch from a porch or a window. But there is one family member who may not share that same fondness for storms - your dog. While some dogs may not care if the thunder and lightning are putting on a show outside, some dogs can have huge anxiety about it. 

So why can storms bother your four legged companion so much? Thunderstorms can have a lot of sensory output associated with them when it comes to our dogs, especially since they are more sensitive to sounds. Dogs' hearing is so much more powerful than ours, making them able to detect thunder way sooner than we can which puts them in a heightened state even before the storm starts. A noise that is simply just loud for humans can be overpowering to a dog and send them into an anxiety and fear mode. Their fear may also be instinctual since it’s a survival thing to be afraid of loud noise for dogs and want to get away to find shelter. There are also changes in the weather - air pressure, humidity, wind, rain - when a storm is approaching, causing more reactions from your dog who can pick up on things that we don’t see, smell or hear a lot sooner than us humans.

Becoming anxious from a storm can put your dog in a state that they aren’t normally in, showing you some new and possibly destructive behaviors that haven’t been displayed before. Here are some signs of anxiety your dog may show during a storm:

• Hiding/retreating to their crate

• Moving close to their favorite person

• Pacing

• Licking their lips

• Panting

• Yawning

• Drooling

• Whining/barking

• Shaking/trembling

• Trying to fit into tight spaces

Knowing the signs of stress and anxiety in your dog is the first step in being proactive to redirect their attention from what may be coming or happening outside of your window. Check out these 7 ways you can help your dog alleviate their stress and anxiety during a storm.

1. Give your dog a safe space. During a thunderstorm dogs like to retreat to a space that is familiar and soothing to them such as their crate, a dark closet or any other spaces that may be tight or dark. Let them go to their safe space. This is a coping mechanism for them when they are feeling scared or anxious, so try to not punish them for any behaviors that may occur due to the storm.

2. Provide some background noise for your dog during the storm. If your dog can’t hear the thunder, they will be less stressed or anxious. Since hearing a loud sound unexpectedly can cause uneasiness combined with the keen hearing of your dog, background noise to cover that loud sound can help to lessen the anxiety that comes with thunder. A sound machine, the TV or even some music can help to drown out the thunder for them.

3. You need to stay calm. Your dog can pick up on any unease or fear in you and your voice, so the best way to help them calm down is to be calm yourself. Use a soothing tone with your dog and a neutral voice to help them find some calmness from the storm.

4. Use toys and treats to help soothe your dog. Keeping them stimulated and distracted is a great way to help take their mind and attention away from the storm outside. Chewing and licking can be self-soothing behaviors for dogs, so nylabones, puzzle toys and Kongs filled with treats and peanut butter are great outlets to help them curb their anxiety during storms. In addition, calming treats and anxiety vests are also other alternatives to try with your dog to help them cope.

5. Close the curtains and blinds. Thunder isn’t the only component of a storm that can bring anxiety to your dog - flashes of lightning can be distressing as well. Closing the curtains or blinds before a storm starts will help to block your dog from seeing flashes and can also help muffle the thunder. Some dogs may want to bury their head in a blanket or towel, which is completely fine as long as you let them take the lead on that. Be careful if you want to cover their head or eyes for the storm; some dogs get super agitated if they have parts covered against their will so let them make the call on whether or not they want their faces covered.

6. Try not to [accidentally] enforce their fear. This can be hard because it’s tempting to lay a lot of attention and praise on them to let them know they’re doing a good job. However, this can sometimes backfire by teaching your dog that they can get your attention by engaging in inappropriate behaviors that are associated with their fear and anxiety from the storm such as howling, whining or peeing on the floor. If your dog engages in these behaviors, try to ignore them and instead give them attention and praise when they quietly lie down or choose to engage in a toy instead.

7. Learn your dog’s body language. This will be your best tool to help solve the problem of how to soothe and keep your dog calm when storms blow in. It’s easy to get mad when your dog engages in destructive behaviors that are out of the norm, but if you take the time to understand why your dog is acting that way you can help them find better outlets for their stress or anxiety.

So while a storm can hold beauty and tranquility for some, just remember to check in with your four-legged friends to see their behaviors and tendencies. Not all dogs will be stressed or anxious when it comes to loud noises or flashes of light outside, but it’s nice to be proactive and have some coping mechanisms in your pocket if the situation may arise. If you feel as though your dog may be overly stressed or anxious when it comes to storms, remember you can always chat with your veterinarian on other options to help calm them down.

If the thought of how to get your dog fresh air time while you’re away at the office has been stressing you out, then stress no more! Going Mutts Pet Services is here to help you when you feel like youe paws are against the wall with daily dog walks and check-ins. Let us give you the peace of mind you need at work to know that your fur baby is being taken care of at home with a daily walk. Potty breaks, water refreshers and playtime are also some of our other specialties when it comes to pet services in the Lancaster area. Contact us today to see how we can help you with all of your pet care needs.

Sources:

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/dog-scared-of-thunder/#:~:text=If%20your%20dog%20can't,and%20having%20background%20noise%20helps.

https://www.bestbullysticks.com/blogs/bbs-blog/how-to-calm-a-dog-during-a-storm