{"id":8415,"date":"2023-04-29T03:18:27","date_gmt":"2023-04-29T03:18:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/homeopet.kloudexpert.com\/canada\/?p=8415"},"modified":"2025-02-14T06:54:45","modified_gmt":"2025-02-14T06:54:45","slug":"summer-storm-anxiety-in-dogs-tips-for-managing-and-comforting-your-furry-friend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/homeopet.kloudexpert.com\/ca\/summer-storm-anxiety-in-dogs-tips-for-managing-and-comforting-your-furry-friend\/","title":{"rendered":"Summer storm anxiety in dogs: Tips for managing and comforting your furry friend"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Summer is fast approaching and, if you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re anything like us, you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re looking forward to plenty of fun times in the sun with your fur-babies! However, summer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s not always fun and frolics as it can bring about numerous hazards for pets, ranging from\u00c2\u00a0heat-related illnesses<\/span><\/a>, to\u00c2\u00a0summer allergies<\/span><\/a>, to\u00c2\u00a0exposure to ticks and other parasites<\/span><\/a>. Yet another challenge that your dog may face over the summer months are summer storms which, for many animals, can be a huge source of anxiety.<\/p>\n\n In reality, it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s not just animals that can become extremely anxious during a storm. Many of us humans do too! But while us humans can turn to coping mechanisms such as mindfulness, deep breathing exercises and other stress-management techniques to help alleviate our anxiety (not to mention our access to resources such as weather forecasts and emergency alerts that can help us prepare for severe weather), animals rely heavily on their instincts and may not have the cognitive ability to understand the cause of their stress or how to manage it.<\/p>\n For many animals the loud noises of thunder, sudden flashes of lightning, and strong winds can be frightening and overwhelming, while changes in barometric pressure and the build-up of static electricity can also create an uncomfortable or unsettling feeling for them. It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s also worth remembering that some animals may have had negative past experiences, such as being caught outside during a severe storm, which can contribute to their storm stress.<\/p>\n As pet parents, it\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s our responsibility to provide our furry friends with the support and tools they need to manage their storm-related anxiety.<\/p>\n One of the first things you can do to help your dog is to create a\u00c2\u00a0safe and comfortable space<\/b>. This space should be in a quiet and secluded part of your home and should have familiar items such as a bed, blanket, or a favorite toy. You can also use a crate or a covered den to provide an added sense of security.<\/p>\n It\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s also important to\u00c2\u00a0provide a calming environment<\/b>\u00c2\u00a0during a storm. Play soothing music or use a white noise machine to help drown out the noise from outside. You can also use essential oils such as lavender or chamomile, which have calming properties and can help your dog to relax.<\/p>\nWhy do storms cause anxiety in animals?<\/b><\/h2>\n
\nHow to help reduce storm anxiety in your dog<\/b><\/h2>\n