What Can You Give A Dog During A Thunderstorm For Calmness And Comfort

Wondering how to comfort your dog when thunderstorms strike? Here are five effective tips to help you ease your furry friend’s anxiety during a storm:

1. Create a Safe Haven: Set up a designated safe space for your dog inside your home. This area should be cozy and secure, perhaps with their favorite blanket or toy. Make sure it’s away from windows, as the sight of lightning can worsen their anxiety.

2. Stay Calm: Your dog can sense your emotions, so remain calm and composed during the storm. Offer reassuring words and gentle pets to provide comfort and reassurance. Your soothing presence can go a long way in easing their anxiety.

3. Consider a Thundershirt: A Thundershirt is a specially designed garment that fits snugly around your dog’s body, providing gentle, constant pressure, similar to swaddling a baby. This can have a calming effect and reduce anxiety for many dogs.

4. Mask the Noise: To distract your dog from the frightening thunderclaps, supplement the scary sounds with soothing background noise. Play calming music, turn on the TV, or use white noise machines to create a more pleasant auditory environment.

5. Plan Ahead: If you know a storm is approaching, take proactive steps to prepare your dog. Gradual desensitization to storm sounds through training can be helpful. Additionally, consult with a veterinarian about anti-anxiety medications or natural supplements that may be suitable for your pet’s needs.

By implementing these strategies, you can help your dog feel safer and more at ease during thunderstorms, making the experience less stressful for both you and your beloved canine companion.

Managing a dog’s anxiety during thunderstorms can involve the use of therapeutic medications to provide relief. These medications are typically prescribed as daily maintenance treatments to reduce the overall anxiety experienced by dogs with storm phobia. Two types of medications commonly used for this purpose are Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs).

1. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): SSRIs like fluoxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline are often recommended. These medications help regulate serotonin levels in the brain, which can improve a dog’s mood and reduce anxiety.

2. Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): Another option is tricyclic antidepressants such as clomipramine, which is available under the brand name Clomicalm. TCAs work by altering the balance of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, which can help alleviate anxiety in dogs during thunderstorms.

These therapeutic medications can be discussed with a veterinarian, who will assess the dog’s specific needs and prescribe the most appropriate medication based on the dog’s condition and overall health. It’s important to consult with a professional to ensure the safe and effective use of these medications for storm-related anxiety in dogs.

1. Give your dog a safe place to go during a storm. …
2. Be cool during a storm. …
3. Try a Thundershirt – This snug shirt wraps around your dog and applies gentle, constant pressure, similar to swaddling a baby. …
4. Supplement the scary sounds with music, TV, or white noise.