03/14/2024
It's that time of year again! ⚡ Here are some tips and tricks to help you and your pup ride out the storms.
At night, consider leaving a light on so the contrast of darkness to flashing isn't so bright.
Use white noise or calming music turned up to help cover the contrast of quiet to thunder. You can find free videos or radio stations on YouTube by searching calming music for dogs. There are also free white noise apps in your preferred app store.
If you give medication to your dog for their stress and anxiety, make sure that they receive a dose with enough time for it to kick in and be effective. If your dog does not have any medication and they are extremely stressed during storms, discuss the phobia with your vet ASAP to get meds ready to give as needed for these weather events.
In advance, prepare high-value treats and high-value enrichment activities. If we can keep their stress level down, we can use these to change their underlying emotions associated with the storm sounds. If they are scared, comfort them the way they prefer.
Please note that if your dog is refusing high value foods, they may be too stressed. This is when you should pivot and work towards decreasing the overpowering stimuli due to the lightning, thunder, wind, hail, etc.
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