Is the soggy state of the summer leaving your pup anxious, aggravated, or just plain afraid? It’s a lot more common than you think to have a pup who is afraid or agitated by the weather. If you’ve ever been spooked by high winds or loud noises, then you can understand the fear your dog is likely going through. That being said, there are a number of ways to treat your pupper for that anxiety, and to help them weather the storms to come.
Pet Sitting Broomfield: Calming Your Dogs in Bad Weather
Off Road Paws operates in all weather and through all seasons, so we’ve seen a few anxious and agitated dogs when it comes to bad weather. It’s always a good idea to wait for the rain, thunder, and especially lightning to end before going out, but sometimes we have to make compromises. How can you help keep your pup from running under the bed, or running away entirely? Follow a few simple tips, and make sure to keep a calm face on for Fido – dogs can sense your emotional upset as well, and it can help feed the anxiety instead of break through it.
Why Do Dogs Hate Storms?
Dogs are highly sensitised creatures – as anyone who has worked or lived with dogs can attest to. When a storm is approaching, the barometric pressure changes – the drop in air pressure before a storm front – can wreak havoc with your canine’s senses. The darkening skies, a drop in pressure, and a buildup of static electricity all set off your dog’s internal alarms, usually sending them into a “safe” or familiar place. One National Geographic study found that many pups hide out in the bathroom, seeking out spaces which eliminate static and neutralize the effects of the pressure drop. Dogs will seek out a place to make them feel closed in, surrounded, or covered, as well as many times finding places to neutralize static buildup. Cool porcelain tubs, sinks, and even wedging behind toilet tanks and jacuzzis!
Just as some dogs are sensitive to the noises of other dogs, there is a common issue with pups and noise escalation. When a loud noise happens, and especially if it continues to happen, dogs sensitive ears are overwhelmed, which can lead to sheer panic. Dogs have been known to dig through drywall and even jump through panes of glass to “escape” their terror. This is why July Fourth is the number one day for lost dogs in the US, due to the number of fireworks shows.
What Can You Do To Help?
The most common symptoms of doggie anxiety are body trembles, ears laid back, wide eyes, and hunkering into corners or underneath furniture. While there are some usual responses, there are as many responses to stress and anxiety as there are dogs on the planet. Some dogs may dig incessantly, even through carpeting or wood flooring, which can hurt pads, paws, and nails as well as create issues to fix around the home. Some dogs may whine, bark, or howl when presented with noise and stimulus, which can be more frustrating for neighbors and owners than for the dog. Those with several pups may find that they gather together for support, or they may scatter to find the best hiding places.
Whatever your dog does, you can try a few things to help calm them down and keep them from hurting themselves (or the house!).
- Try putting on a different noise to cover the intermittent storm sounds. You can use the TV, music, an audiobook, white noise machine or whatever you have that can create a constant sound, which may help ground your pupper in the here-and-now.
- If your pup hides somewhere specific, try to make sure to make that area feel as safe and calm as possible. In a bathroom or closet, for example, you might make sure their favorite toys or blankets are available, or turn on the fan to help create a soothing noise barrier.
- Try a comforting wrap, such as the thundershirt, which can help ease anxiety. Some dogs find that the support of being “swaddled” by the shirt can help reduce the signs of anxiety. This goes back to the buildup of static in the air before a storm- by reducing the static around your dog, you can help reduce the chances of a shock, which can be agitating to say the least. Do note that while there is much anecdotal evidence that pet owners find the vests effective, there is little official research into the subject. If your dog continues to exhibit stressed behavior while wearing the vest, it may be that the vest inhibits their ability to express their distress. Always keep an eye on your dog when trying new items, and go with your gut if they seem to still be distressed.
- Try a few natural remedies: there are some simple activities to try and distract your dog from their anxiety, such as exercise, mental stimulation (i.e. playing, teaching them tricks, using treat-filled puzzle toys), and even music therapy. For the music therapy, you would need to play the same type of music through each stressor, such as one type of music for car trips, and another for storm anxiety. The outside stimulus can give your dog something else to focus on, breaking the mental anxiety chain.
- Supplements and Natural Remedies: There are a number of supplements, natural treats, and homeopathic remedies available out there. Things such as melatonin, L-theanine and L-tryptophan, and many more can help reduce anxiety naturally. Before you give your dog any new herbal supplements or stress-reducing remedies, always talk to your vet. Some things, such as essential oil use, can be very effective and requires no application to your pet directly, but may still be problematic. For example, essential oils are highly toxic to cats, and should be used sparingly in mixed-pet households.
- Using CBD for your dog has been talked about in the CBD/Cannabis community for years, but there is very little clinical research to back up those claims. Many CBD tinctures are not pure CBD and contain traces of THC, the psychoactive part of cannabis which is not recommended for pet use. This is one you may wish to ask your vet about, especially if you’re new to the CBD options available. It is still a controlled substance at the Federal level, so your vet may not be able to tell you about your CBD options unless you ask first.
- Vet-prescribed anti-anxiety medicines. If your dog doesn’t respond to the natural remedies, or only seems to be getting worse, it may be time to ask the vet for an anti-anxiety medicine. Discuss your dog’s symptoms and what you’ve tried, to see if there may be a combination of therapies and medicine to help keep your dog from hurting themselves out of fear.
The Best Remedy Is Love!
In all of this, remember that the best way to help your dog is not to leave them alone and afraid. Spend time with them, especially when they’re scared. You’ll help them calm down, and you’ll probably enjoy the time yourself. If your dog’s cowering behind a toilet, try reading a book aloud, or a magazine or anything, to let your dog hear your voice, feel your presence, and be calmed by your own calm.
When the storms are over, take your dog for a nice walk to help them see that life is going to go back to normal. Sometimes we all need a little reminder that our fears will pass and we’ll be able to run and chase our favorite toys again sooner than later. If you’re short on time this summer, due to vacation or travel, you can always call on Off Road Paws to help your pup stay in shape. We’ve got summer hiking spots with good smells, fun trails, and plenty of exercise for all types of dogs. For pet sitting Broomfield and nearby areas, call or click today to get your dog off on a group trail hike, or a solo neighborhood run.