Thunderstorms can be a stressful time for dogs, causing anxiety, restlessness, and fear. If your dog tends to react to loud noises or sudden flashes of lightning, you’re not alone—many dogs find thunderstorms frightening. Fortunately, there are ways to ease their anxiety and create a calmer environment during these stormy moments.
Here are our five tips to help keep your dog calm during a thunderstorm!
1. Create a Safe Space
One of the best things you can do for an anxious dog is to provide them with a safe, comfortable space where they can retreat when they feel overwhelmed. This could be their bed, a quiet room, or a cosy corner away from windows and noise. Make sure this space feels secure by adding their favorite blanket, toys, or even some calming music. The goal is to create an environment that feels familiar and peaceful.
2. Try a Calming Supplement
Calming supplements can make a big difference when it comes to soothing your dog’s nerves during a storm. These natural remedies often contain ingredients like chamomile, valerian root, and L-theanine, which promote relaxation without causing drowsiness. Giving your dog a supplement in advance of the storm can help reduce their anxiety and keep them feeling more balanced when the thunder rolls in as they already associate these supplements and scents with an overall feeling of calm and stability.
3. Desensitize Them to Sounds
Sound desensitization is a long-term strategy that can help reduce your dog’s fear of thunderstorms. Start by playing recordings of thunder at a low volume while engaging your dog in enjoyable activities like playing or eating treats. Gradually increase the volume over time, ensuring that your dog remains calm and unbothered. This process helps your dog associate the sound of thunder with positive experiences, making them less likely to react fearfully in the future.
4. Stay Calm and Comfort Them
Dogs can pick up on our emotions, so staying calm during a storm is essential. If you’re anxious, your dog may mirror those feelings. Comfort your dog by speaking to them in a soothing voice and gently petting them. You can also try using a calming dog wrap, which applies gentle pressure to help reduce anxiety. The key here is to provide support without reinforcing their fear. Staying calm and offering reassurance can go a long way in helping your dog feel safe.
5. Distract Them with Toys or Treats
Keeping your dog’s mind busy during a storm can help distract them from the anxiety-inducing sounds outside. Puzzle toys filled with treats or long-lasting chews are great options for this. The mental stimulation and the tasty reward can keep their focus away from the storm. Just be sure to introduce these distractions before the thunderstorm escalates so that they’re already engaged when the loud noises begin.
While every dog is different, consistency and patience can go a long way in helping them cope with their anxiety. By implementing these tips, you’ll be creating a more peaceful environment for both you and your dog—no matter how loud the storm gets.
