Train your dog to deal with thunderstorms

I am sure you know some people who are afraid of thunderstorms, but nearly all dogs are scared of thunderstorms. Dogs can shake, hide, whine and often behave in a strange way during a thunderstorm. They may even runaway, urinate or get “crazy” and tear everything in their path.

Fortunately, there is a solution to this problem. Become a dog psychologist for a while and help your pet to get rid of this fear once and for all.

Your dog needs a safe place

Try this. Prepare a room for your dog before the storm. Make sure the room is dark and sound-proof as much as possible. Dogs do not like to see lightning and hear thunders. If you cannot make a special room, try choosing a room where the sound of thunder is suppressed as much possible, ideally with no windows or only small ones. A pantry or a bathroom for example. You can also use a cellar or modify a small garden house. A shower corner is another option.

Photo: Pixabay

If you have no suitable room try to modify the surroundings. Play white noise or music in the room, or at least turn on the TV. Any sound that disturbs the thunder is good. You also need to distract the dog during the storm. Play with your pet, throw a ball, wrestle over a toy or give your dog squeaky toys. Occupy its mind. Comforting the dog or feeling sorry will not help. Playful activity, exercising or searching for treats is best. Make the dog busy so it forgets what is happening outside. This will reduce the stress level.

Using a tranquilizer vest

You can also calm your dog down using a special storm vest. It is made of bavlněné látky and works on the same principle as baby wraps. The vest exerts a constant but gentle pressure on the dog’s body – just like a hug. It may not work for all dogs, just as baby wraps many not work for all children, but manufacturers report high level of satisfaction.

If none of the previous helped and your dog is still afraid, you have no choice but to see a vet and try medication. If a dog is really stressed, it can be harmful, especially for its heart. Your vet will prescribe a mild sedative, but you can also try homeopathic remedies with herbs. Bach flower drops are commonly used for dogs.

Preview photo: Pixabay

Source: https://hobby.instory.cz/1336-jak-zbavit-psa-panickeho-strachu-z-bourky-a-jinych-hlasitych-zvuku.html, https://www.hillspet.cz/dog-care/routine-care/dog-scared-of-thunder