It is very sad to watch your pup shaking, panting, or taking shelter when there is thunder. Thunder, lightning, static electricity, and changes in air pressure can cause storm anxiety in about 30% of dogs. In case your pet is severely anxious, a veterinarian will be needed, but you can use several natural remedies to relax them at home.
We have this detailed article that explains how you can keep your dog calm during storms without using medicine.
What Makes Dogs Respond Frightened to Thunderstorms?
Learning about the causes can help you manage your dog’s fear in the best way possible.
Hearing better than humans, dogs detect sounds from much farther away, making the noise from thunderclaps stand out much more. 1.
Many dogs get a strange tingling in their fur due to static electricity, and that makes them want to hide in bathrooms, where there’s plenty of grounding.
Changes in air pressure, noticed before a storm, can increase stress and panic in dogs.
Storm PTSD—After hurricanes or similar traumatic storms, your dog’s PTSD symptoms may be more severe.
Tendency for Storm Anxiety—Collies, shepherds, and similar breeds have a stronger tendency to be affected by storm anxiety.
10 Commonly Used Home Remedies to Reduce Your Dog’s Anxiety
1. Set Up a Space That’s Cozy and Comfortable
Your pet should be put in a crate, closed closet, or a room without windows that is set up with her usual bedding.
Put a thick blanket over the crate to quiet it and prevent lightning flashes from reaching your pet.
Put a T-shirt that hasn’t been washed in your bag for a familiar smell.
2. Try using a Thundershirt or make your own version at home.
By gently wrapping your pet, Thundershirts help to reduce anxiousness, just like swaddling a baby.
Another method: Cover the injured part with a snug T-shirt or Ace bandage so it is neither too tight nor too loose.
3. Cover up Thunder by Listening to Peaceful Sounds
White noise, classical music, or reggae seems to calm dogs the most, research has shown.
Books on tape or TV may help keep your mind off the thunder and rain.
4. Entertain with Fun and Interesting Activities
Toy puzzles such as Kongs with peanut butter inside
Lick mats help to lower stress and relax pets.
A bit of gentle massaging at the back of the spine or in the ears
5. Using calming pheromones & scents on your sweetheart is a good way to start.
Adaptil diffusers/sprays copy the smell of mother-dog pheromones.
Rub the oils (diluted on a bandana) over your hands or around the room
6. Natural Supplements
Eating turkey gives you tryptophan, which leads to more serotonin.
CBD oil produced by Pet Releaf and similar enterprises (both vet-assured and organic)
Settle yourself down with melatonin for brief overseas trips.
7. Training that Helps Over the Long Term
Play whispers of thunder sounds and make them louder over time. At the same time, give your pet treats for remaining calm.
Playtime and treats should be part of the stormy events.
8. Try to reduce static electricity.
Rubbing your dog with dryer sheets that lack any scent will get rid of most static electricity.
Use shampoos made from oatmeal because they help prevent dry skin and lessen static (Static hair is often a result of dry skin)
9. Keep Yourself Calm and Don’t Help Fear Spread
Don’t trivialize the problem by saying, "It's okay! speaking in a worried way strengthens someone’s anxiety
Try to behave as you usually would, because dogs will sense your mood.
10. Doing exercises ahead of a storm
Tiring out your dog with a good walk or game keeps your pet calm once bad weather arrives.
Problems to Avoid
Don’t reward nervousness—it only makes anxiety worse.
Do not leave your dog inside alone—a panicked dog might escape.
Never use pure essential oils around your pet—they are toxic.
How Often to Bring Your Pets to the Vet
If the home remedies do not help, talk to your vet.
Medicines that help reduce anxiety when prescribed (such as trazodone)
Working with a certified trainer in behavioral therapy
Final Thoughts
Even though storm anxiety won’t go away quickly, practicing the natural methods mentioned can help your dog feel more secure. When it’s very serious, using desensitization with a Thundershirt and consulting your vet can be the best remedy.
It’s a good idea to train your dog well before the next storm arrives.
Fear isn’t a choice for dogs—we have to show them how to cope with it.
For further help, access the storm anxiety guide by K9 Basics or find out more from the AKC’s training section.
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