With Spring Comes Thunderstorms...Don't forget about Fido!

With Spring Comes Thunderstorms...Don't forget about Fido!

Today is the first day of spring, and I love spring on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina.  It is absolutely gorgeous.  I am even willing to deal with the rain that comes with it!  Without the rain, our grass would still be brown & crispy, our trees wouldn't be lush with bright green leaves, and our flowers would not be blooming like they are.  Often times, we get an abundance of thunderstorms in the spring and I can handle those too.  My dog on the other hand, doesn't handle them so well. 

So, while you are enjoying the warmer weather, the blooming of flowers & trees... don't forget about Fido Layla!  There are many ways that you can help ease your dogs stress during a thunderstorm.  

• Soft Music can sometimes help!  This helps our Layla, but her anxiety is not severe.   

• Distract your dog with a game of indoor fetch or keep your dog on a leash and walk them around the house asking them to perform tricks for treats. 

• Some dogs do better in a crate or other "safe place", but not all.   If you try this, watch them closely. 

• Studies have shown that trying to "comfort" your dog with hugs and petting (and that baby voice you use), during a storm, can actually reassure them that their fear is justified, and make their anxiety worse! 

• Maybe a ThunderShirt would help your dog?  I have never tried this therapy, but a lot of people swear by them.  Many experts say that pressure has a calming effect on the nervous system.... for only $39.95, I'd say it's worth a shot!

• If the Storm Anxiety is severe, you may want to discuss the issue with your Veterinarian.  Many pet owners have medication around the house to ease their dog's anxiety during thunderstorms. Always check with your Veterinarian before administering drugs to your pets!!!!! Keep in mind that a dog senses the storm much earlier that humans and the meds must be given much sooner than the actual storm.   

Dogs have been known to damage the house or themselves in panic during a storm.  I knew a dog who jumped through a window once... cutting herself in multiple places, and another who destroyed an entire bathroom during a storm.  They may dig at a door or the floor, they may beat themselves up running into walls in panic, etc.      

I am not a Veterinarian and I am not a Dog Expert..... But, I love my dog and when she suffers from anxiety, I suffer too!  So, protect your four legged family members (and your house) this spring and find ways to ease their anxiety during a thunderstorm!