Signs your Dog is Scared of Storms
It's spring in Kansas which means thunderstorms are headed our way. Is your dog scared of storms or fireworks? Many dogs suffer from storm anxiety and a fear of loud noises which develops between the ages of two and four years old. An estimated 49% of dogs show signs of fear when they hear thunder or fireworks.
Signs Your Dog is Scared of Storms
There are obvious signs that your dog is scared of storms, but some are more subtle. Watch your pet to see if they react in any of the following ways:
- They will find a place to hide. Some dogs will find a confined place that makes them feel safe. This might be a kennel or a closet. If you see your dog looking for a place to go, this could be the reason.
- Some dogs may be destructive when they are anxious or scared.
- Dogs may also start to shake or tremble at the sound of thunder or fireworks.
- Your pet may start barking, howling, or whining.
- Pacing around the home is another sign your dog is scared of storms.
- Some dogs will start drooling when they are afraid. This isn't an obvious sign of fear, but it is a fear response to storms and loud noises.
Why Are Dogs Scared of Thunder?
So why are dogs scared of thunder? There are several theories on why your pup may react negatively during storms.
- Your dog may have "canine noise aversion" which means that loud noises scare them. It's so common that an estimated 1/3 of dogs suffer from this condition.
- Separation anxiety can also play a part in dogs being scared of storms.
- Finally, animals may be sensitive to static electricity which can cause tingling in their fur, and can experience static shocks during the storm. Needless to say, this can cause anxiety and fear for the dogs.
How to Help if Your Dog is Scared of Storms
- Talking to your dog in calm tones while petting or cuddling them can help relieve their fears.
- Invest in a Thundershirt or other body wrap product. These work by applying gentle, constant pressure on the dog 's body which can release calming hormones. This is a similar response that humans have to weighted blankets.
- Add a drop or two of lavender oil to the back of their necks or on a bandana. Lavender is calming to the parasympathetic nervous system.
- CBD treats have become more popular in recent years to help calm an anxious dog. Be sure to use the correct dosage of treats for your pet.
- Consult your veterinarian about a prescription for anxiety for your dog. Your veterinarian can determine which medication and which dosages would be most effective for your pet.
We 're Here to Help
If your pet suffers from storm or fireworks-related anxiety, Cimarron Animal Hospital can help. Contact our office to schedule a visit before the next round of storms hits.
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.