Does your dog run for cover when it starts to rain? Do they cry when they hear thunder or see lightning?
Do they scratch on doors looking for a safe spot? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you definitely are not alone.
Astraphobia, the fear of thunder and lightning, is an extremely common fear amongst dogs. According to the International Journal of Animal Health Development, most dogs suffer from some sort of astraphobia.
Many dogs also get anxious in the presence of fireworks, loud music, loud trucks, yelling, etc. Some signs of anxiety are panting, pacing, howling, whining, and barking.
As a pet owner, watching your dog get anxious can be heartbreaking and bring on your own set of anxiety. That’s why we sat down with BarxBuddy to get their insight on the best ways to care for your furry friend during frightening times.
Give them a place to hide
One of the first things your dog might do when they are frightened is trying to find a pace to hide. It is important to give them this space so they can feel safe.
Try setting up a crate in a dark room or under a table with a blanket over it. The darkness will alleviate the triggers from things like lightening and help calm them down.
Distract Your Dog’s Attention
If your dog is fixated on the storm, one of the best ways to turn their experience into a positive one is by creating a comfortable environment for them. Try initiating play time with their favorite toys or turning on some calming music to mask outside, unwanted noise.
Showing your dog love by brushing and petting them will also help them feel more relaxed.
Be Calm and Gentle
Even when your pet is scared, they can still pick up on your energy if you too are anxious. Approach them with a calm, loving, voice to show them that everything is okay. When they see that you are comfortable, it is more likely they will be comfortable as well.
To find out more about what to do when your dog gets anxious in frightening moments, make sure to check out BarxBuddy’s article “Storm Anxiety: How to Calm a Dog During Thunder, Lightning and Loud Noises” on their website at https://www.barxbuddy.com/blog/what-to-do-when-your-dog-has-storm-anxiety/
BarxBuddy is a pet product company that focuses on innovative technology in order to make caring for your pet easy and enjoyable. One of Barxbuddy’s signature products is the BarxBuddy ultrasonic training tool for dogs. With pet owners in mind, BarxBuddy designs products to improve the lives of both owners and their pets.
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