5 Tips to Help Storm Anxiety in Your Pet

Storm Anxiety

The torrent of recent rain in Wichita and the surrounding areas are wreaking havoc on river beds and basement sump pumps, but they have also been responsible for storm anxiety in many pets.

There are a variety of reasons pets might have storm anxiety including: pets can sense a change in the barometric pressure, loud thunder can be frightening and a build-up of static electricity in their fur can cause small shocks that range from uncomfortable to downright terrifying for an animal. Sometimes, a human that is scared of storms can pass that anxiety along to animals.

How can you help relieve storm anxiety in your dog? We have 5 tips to help!

Create a safe place for your pet to go during a storm. Cats will likely hide somewhere familiar, and dogs might need a designated area such as a dog bed.
Anxiety wraps such as Thundershirts are a good option for many dogs and even some cats (only if the cats like to be cuddled or swaddled). These wraps provide a calming effect on animals, making them feel safer. Metal fabric-lined garments, such as the Storm Defender, protect dogs from static shocks.
Dogs that are frightened of loud noises can be particularly distressed during storms. White noise machines in a dog 's safe place can help provide some calm in the midst of a loud storm.
Desensitize your dog to thunder and loud noises by playing recordings of storms and make them increasingly louder. Play a game while you do this to associate the sound with good things.
Medication or treats with CBD oil could also help reduce the stress and anxiety during a storm. Be sure to check with Dr. Skinner or Dr. James to see which medications or natural remedies they would recommend for your pet before giving them meds.

Dr. Skinner and Dr. James at Cimarron Animal Hospital can help direct and guide you on the best course of action to remedy your pet's storm anxiety. Call our offices today to schedule a consultation before the thunderstorm season really takes off in Kansas.

Keep your pets safe in unpredictable spring weather

Our Wichita, KS Veterinarians have some advice on unpredictable weather

Thunderstorm, tornado, wind, and hail season is approaching in Wichita, Kansas. It's important to have a safety plan of action for you and your pets in place before the emergency takes place. Unpredictable weather in Kansas can cause some serious damage. Make sure you keep your pets safe in unpredictable spring weather with these tips from Cimarron Animal Hospital Veterinarians.

Leaving your pet behind should never be part of your emergency action plan. If it's unsafe for you, it's unsafe for your pets. There are some circumstances where you would be able to reserve a spot for your pet at a veterinarian clinic or pet and dog boarding location. You can contact Cimarron Animal Hospital for your boarding needs.

When bad weather arises, seek shelter and do the following:

Bring your dogs and cats indoors at the first warning sign of bad weather
Put on your dog's and cat's identification collars
Grab your pets ' leash
Put on their protective paw shoes or socks
Grab the phone number of your emergency veterinarian in case of a major health emergency
Grab your pets ' medication

Collect your pet's emergency bag. Your pet's emergency bag should include the following items:

5 days of pet food (make sure it hasn't expired)
7 days of water
Feeding bowl
Recent photos of your pet, in case you are separated and need help identifying your pet
Photocopies of current veterinarian records
Pet first aid kit

We have laid out the basics for how to keep your pets safe in unpredictable spring weather. But, make sure to talk to your emergency vet clinic Veterinarian for your dog or cat's specific needs. You can also visit the American Red Cross for more ways to keep your pet safe.