How to calm a dog during a thunderstorm. Fireworks, loud street noise, sirens, thunderstorms, lightning, and strong wind all affect the fears of our sweet little puppies. In winter, we know that the storm season begins; according to experts, dogs’ reactions derive from two main factors: the reflex acquired during lactation. In addition, the mother must have been sensitive to loud noises or individual traumatic experiences the dog had after weaning.
Other times, a problem with the eardrum may require more in-depth analyses with the vet. Our beloved puppies can hear noises at frequencies different from humans, so sounds are often amplified. Some methods for comforting our dogs before, during and after a thunderstorm cause significant stress to the animal. According to some recent research, it is believed that dogs may be afraid not of noise but of the electromagnetism generated by lightning. So, in this sense, animals would perceive biological changes during the storm.
Dogs and the Thunder. Provide a Safe Place
It is crucial to make the dog feel safe. Unlike man, the dog feels like the world is falling on him. That is why a place should be created that gives the dog security and gives him the feeling of being safe. In this case, the owner has to stand in for the mother and think of places where he could hide.
That is why it is essential to clear out hiding places such as closets, under-scale, empty spaces, the underneath of beds and the like so that the dog can access them. Never rush after the dog goes into hiding. Always wait a few minutes before reaching him but without giving him the feeling that you want to comfort him.
Stay close to the dog, without talking or looking at him, but only seek physical contact, if necessary, stroking him very gently until the storm is over. From time to time, break contact so that the dog seeks it out, and if it does, the problem is partly resolved. Gradually, the owner should try to block access to the dog’s hiding places so that the next time, he seeks comfort from his owner.
Parts of the house or rooms without a window that does not show lighting are ideal for the dog. So, in a severe thunderstorm, it is a good idea to close the shutters to calm the dog. In other cases, you could cover the kennel with blankets or pillows to give the dog a feeling of security and let dogs or animals that live outside into the house.
Dogs and the Thunder. Try to distract your dog.
If the puppy is startled by a flash followed by a noise, the animal should be distracted by other sounds. Therefore, you could play with the dog using toys that make noise or cover the sound of lightning. Likewise, make some noise in the house, e.g. the sound of the washing machine partly covers the sound of the thunder.
Experts also suggest putting a ThunderShirt on the dog, a harness used to treat various types of anxiety that puts gentle, constant pressure on the dog’s body, which has a calming effect on the nervous system and would work in 85% of cases. Owners must always appear calm in front of the dog. In this way, the animal’s tension is greatly relieved by feeling the owner relaxed.
Dogs and the Thunder. Training your dog to make noises
One prevention method is to accustom the dog to loud noises, creating noisy situations and calming it down with balanced and calm behaviour on the owner’s part, giving the animal a lot of affection so that it relaxes and calms down.
The best advice is to let the dog perhaps hear a recording of a thunderstorm with low sound and gradually increase the volume of the sound so that the dog gets used to it and does not get impressed when there is a real thunderstorm.
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