Thunderstorm Anxiety In Dogs

Does your dog turn into a shivering ball of nerves when he hears the sound of thunder? Many of our canine pals are terrified of storms! Read on for some tips from a local New Orleans, LA vet on helping your furry buddy cope with thunderstorms.

Before the storm hits, take Fido for a walk, and then wear him out with a fun play session. If your canine friend is tired, he may very well sleep through the storm!

When you know a storm is coming, bring Fido inside as soon as the skies get dark. Put your pooch in his crate or in a quiet back room. Make sure he has comfy bedding, a few toys, and a yummy treat. Puzzle toys are great for these occasions, as they can keep dogs occupied for hours.

Look into getting your four-legged friend a calming shirt, which is kind of like a doggy version of a weighted blanket. These can also soothe and calm frightened pups.

As the storm approaches, turn a radio or TV on for background noise. This can help drown out the sound of the storm. It’s possible that dogs react to subsonic noises that we can’t hear, so masking those sounds can be beneficial.

Try getting your canine buddy used to the sound of thunder. Get an app or a recording of storm sounds, and play it on a loop on a sunny day. Gradually increase the volume over the course of several days. In time, Fido may become accustomed to the noise, and stop reacting to it.

We know, it’s tempting to want to hug and cuddle your furry pal when he is scared. This isn’t a bad thing, but you don’t want to overdo it. Your pooch may soon realize that he’ll get all sorts of attention for his theatrics, and ham it up even more!

There are now many products that can help relax nervous pets. Ask your vet for advice on using calming products, like treats, collars, and sprays. These things mimic the natural pheromones dogs produce when they are calm and happy. It’s sort of like aromatherapy for Fido.

Please reach out to us, your New Orleans, LA vet clinic, anytime. We are dedicated to offering great veterinary care!