When it comes to handling bad weather, we often see our dogs acting anxious, hiding, or not being happy. Luckily we have some tips to keep our pups calm.
Does your dog freak out when bad weather rolls through? Do they get anxious or scared at the sound of thunder? If the answer to either of these questions is yes, then you and your pup are in luck as we have some tips to help keep them calm.
We hate the idea of our pups being scared or upset, so whenever we get a chance to help them out, we are going to do our best to be our dog’s hero. In this case that means finding ways to alleviate their anxiety and fear.
Hopefully with these tips your dog will be able to handle the bad weather, and you won’t have to worry about your pup being upset for long.
Distractions
When it comes to riding out bad weather, distractions can be a great tool. Play with your pup and make sure they have treats or toys to distract themselves with. While there are no guarantees that your pup will be easily distracted, that doesn’t mean we can’t try, especially when that means playing with toys.
Calming treats
As someone with an anxious pup, I have done a lot of research into calming treats. And there are quite a few options on the market that not only work, but will help keep your dog calm when bad weather scares them. The bonus of this method is that you are actually giving a treat to your pup, which is always enjoyable for them and a great reward. Plus, the fact that these treats will help chill your furry friend out is a great reason to have them on hand in case of an emergency.
Anxiety attire
WTKR recommends that we get out pups anxiety attire, which is basically a pressure wrap. These pieces of doggy clothing are shirts or vests that act like a hug, and are said to reduce elevated heart rates. When it comes to handling the anxiety associated with a storm, this kind of clothing is exactly what the vet ordered.
Keep calm
It is not just your dog that needs to keep calm during bad weather. If you get anxious, that will translate to your pup. Remember our dogs sense when we are stressed out, upset, or in a bad mood. And typically what happens is that our pups take on our stress and anxiety, which doesn’t help them to stay calm in a storm. If you stay calm, chances are your dog will too.
Drown out the noise
Another option is to drown out the noise of the storm. Play music, turn on the TV, or even use things like white noise machines or fans to act as background noise in the house. These sounds will distract your pup from what is happening outside, which means that they won’t have to deal with the stress of whatever bad weather is going on.
Our dogs can be just as sensitive to storms as we are. And hopefully with these simple tips, your pup will be able to handle whatever comes their way, from rain to thunder.
How do you keep your pup calm in a storm? Are there any tips you would recommend that are not on our list? Tell us what you think in the comments.