Summer brings many things with it: heat, beach and pool days, longer daylight hours, barbecues and of course, anxious dogs.
If you have an easily frightened or sensitive pup, Fourth of July fireworks and frequent thunderstorms are probably one of the worst parts of your summer every year.
Having an anxious dog usually means anxiety for the owner, too.
Here’s why some dogs are afraid of thunder and tips from the American Kennel Club for calming your dog during a summer thunderstorm.
Why are dogs so afraid of thunderstorms?
To better understand why some dogs freak out or get really scared during thunderstorms, the American Kennel Club (AKC) interviewed Trista Miller, a certified trainer, AKC Canine Good Citizen and Trick Dog Evaluator.
Miller said that although dogs have much better hearing than people and are much more sensitive to loud, booming sounds than we are, that’s not the whole reason why some dogs get anxious during storms or fireworks.
“It’s a survival thing to be afraid of loud noises, to want to find shelter,” Miller told AKC.
“Thunder is a big part of it. But, I think dogs are also sensitive to changes in air pressure and potentially static electricity. So, I think there could also be some unheard, unseen things that dogs can catch that we do not.”
How do you calm a dog scared of thunder?
Here are the three main tips recommended by the American Kennel Club for soothing your dog during a thunderstorm:
- Give your dog a safe space, don’t punish them for poor behavior during storms: According to Miller, dogs like to retreat to a dark and safe space, like their crate or a closet, because it is familiar and soothing for them. “Dogs descended from wolves and were in dens, and so they still like den-like environments,” Miller said. “Giving them that smaller space eliminates anything sneaking up on them. If they’re in an enclosed space where they are comfortable and familiar, that’s going to be more soothing to them.” If your dog can’t see lightning flashes from their “den,” that helps.
- Provide background noise: Like with lightning, if your dog can’t hear the thunder very well, it will help them calm down. Try creating an alternative source of noise that is more calming than what’s going on outside. “You can play white noise — or classical music is especially calming to dogs,” Miller said. “Talking in a soothing manner, and, if your dog likes it, pet them in long, calming strokes.”
- Soothe with toys and treats: If your dog destroys your things by chewing them or licks themselves incessantly while stressed, these are natural self-soothing behaviors for them. Try replacing your things with something meant for them to chew and distract them from licking their paws with something meant for them to lick. Miller suggests buying toys that help with chewing or licking like a licking mat. You can smear the mat with peanut butter, cream cheese, soft bananas, or whatever will distract your dog best. Miller also recommended calming treats, CBD oil, toys like Kongs filled with peanut butter or kibbles, or anxiety vests. “Any of those would be super good for dogs,” Miller says. “If they like their crate, give them those fun things in there.”
Can you train a dog to not be scared of thunder?
According to Wag! a petcare platform, it’s possible to desensitize your dog to thunder.
Wag! providesfour steps for helping your dog disassociate thunder with a negative experience. Here they are:
- Play: “When the storm starts, pick up your dog’s favorite toy and start playing in the rain and distracting them.”
- Gauge the response: “If he seems less fearful when you’re doing this, give him a treat and tell them what a good boy he’s been.”
- Try walking in the rain: “Try and get rid of those bad habits by walking your dog in the rain during the thunderstorm and playing with him. If they respond well, give them a treat. If they’re very fearful, take them back in. It’s not worth risking your pooch’s safety, as the last thing you want is him running off.”
- Give him a chew toy: “Give your dog an item which you don’t mind being chewed up or one that is designed for chewing. Rawhide bones are a good choice.”
- Be gently reassuring: “By all means, console your dog and let him know that you’re there for him, but don’t do this overly so or spend all your time reassuring him, as this will just reinforce his fear that there is something he needs to be protected from.”
And according to WebMD, you can even play a CD of thunderstorm sounds to help your dog gradually prepare for summer thunderstorms during the winter months.
“Play a CD of thunder recordings at low enough levels that don’t frighten your dog, while giving them treats or playing a game,” WebMD says. “Gradually increase the volume over the course of several months, stopping if your dog shows any signs of anxiety.”
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