How to Calm Your Dog During a Storm

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

Got storm damage? Call SERVPRO® of Greater Waco 254-224-5999

Thunderstorms are scary for a dog.  They don’t understand the science behind lightening and why all of these flashes and booms are happening. It’s up to us, as fur parents, to create a safe environment and help them understand that it’s just noise and everything will be ok.

Here are some tips to help calm your dog during a storm.

1. Create a safe haven. Add a pet bed, their favorite blanket or toys to a closet or kennel.  Make sure to keep the door open so that they can pace and don’t feel trapped.
2. Stay calm during the storm and don’t snuggle or reinforce the “scary” aspect of the storm. Pets feed off of owner’s behavior and energy. Keeping things as normal as possible reinforces just how normal the situation is and that it is “just noise”. Try playing fetch or watching a movie together.
3. Play a white noise machine or music. Classical music has a calming effect on pets and a white noise machine is made for relaxation.
4. Practice desensitization with your dog. Play thunderstorm videos or stream thunderstorm sounds to get them ready for storm season.  Slowly increase the volume over time.  They’ll be a thunderstorm pro in no time!
5. Try a thundervest. It’s a weighted pet vest that swaddles your pet or feels like a hug.  For pets that don’t react to distractions, it has an immediate soothing effect.
6. Visit your vet. If none of the ideas above help and your pet is showing anxious signs harming themselves or being destructive, it’s time to seek professional advice.

Got storm damage? Call SERVPRO® of Greater Waco 254-224-5999