Tips for Dealing with Your Dog’s Fear of Thunder

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.

Do you need help coping with your dog’s thunderstorm anxiety?

If so, you’ve come to the right place. Our experienced veterinarian in North Merrick can handle all of your dog’s needs, whether they be physical or psychological. In our last blog, we went over several tips to help you cope with your dog’s thunderstorm anxiety. Keep reading for more helpful tips:

#4. Compete with the noise.

Often, it’s the rumbling from the thunder that ends up freaking dogs out during storms. If this is the case for your dog, take them to an enclosed room, like a bathroom or closet, and turn on the radio or put on a CD. This will minimize the thunder your dog hears and help them to calm down.

#5. Get your dog used to hearing thunder.

Some people have found success in desensitizing their dogs to thunder by playing thunderstorm CDs for them when the weather is calm. Play the CD on a low volume while you pet your dog and give them treats. When your dog starts to get used to the noise, start raising the volume over an extended period of time.

#6. Talk to your veterinarian about medication.

In some cases, dogs are so fearful that none of the other methods will work to calm them down. Although no one wants to have to give their dog medication to relieve their fears, sometimes it’s the only option. Don’t be afraid to ask your veterinarian for help!

If you have any questions or concerns about coping with your dog’s thunderstorm anxiety, please don’t hesitate to contact us!