Does your dog get anxious during thunderstorms?
If so, you’re not alone. Many dogs experience anxiety when the thunder starts rumbling outside, but you should know that there are things you can do to help your dog stay calm. At East Meadow Veterinary Center, our veterinarian in Levittown is dedicated to helping your dog be as happy and healthy as they can be, and that’s why we’ve come up with these tips to help you cope with your dog’s thunder anxiety:
#1. Address the problem right away.
Anxiety tends to get worse over time, and you may notice that your dog gets more anxious with each subsequent storm. That’s why it’s important to address the problem the first time you notice that your dog is acting anxious during a storm.
#2. Never punish your dog for being scared.
Some people punish their dogs when they are freaking out about a thunderstorm because they are afraid of reinforcing the negative behavior. This is absolutely pointless because your dog isn’t doing anything wrong or bad. Even if your dog tears up the furniture or ruins something else in your home, know that they are acting out of fear and should not be punished.
#3. Give him a place to hide.
Dogs like to hide when they are afraid; it is a psychological defense for them that is totally natural. Giving them a safe place to hide and relax will help them to feel more comfortable during storm, and a crate is a wonderful place for your dog to hide.
Learn more tips for coping with your dog’s thunderstorm anxiety when you stay tuned for our next blog.