Stormy Weather: The effects it can have on your dogs.
While dogs will vary in their reactions to storms, many exhibit signs of fear, anxiety, and stress during inclement weather. I’m going to explore the various ways dogs are affected by storms and offer tips on how you can help your canine friend.
Noise Sensitivity:
One of the most common reasons dogs are affected by storms is noise sensitivity. When it is particularly windy, coupled with rain - it can spook dogs, even if they’re not noise sensitive to other things such as fireworks. Thunder and lightning can be particularly frightening for dogs; did you know they can hear things from 4x the distance than humans can.
Negative Past Experiences:
Dogs with previous traumatic experiences related to storms are more likely to be affected during future storms. Your dog will decide what has been a negative experience for them, this doesn’t necessarily need to be something as traumatic as being kept outside in the weather. It could be something as simple as being spooked by a gust of wind as they walked past a bush, or the noise they can hear while they been out on a walk. They will likely become a ‘velcro’ dog, try and be patient with them. For them the storm is particularly scary situation.
Behavioural Changes:
Dogs affected by storms may exhibit various behavioural changes. These can include increased attachment to you, destructive behaviours, excessive barking, and even attempts to escape the house or garden in search of safety. Some dogs will become less tolerant of other dogs and may even redirect onto dogs they’re normally perfectly fine with. You may also find your dog has accidents in the house, even if they’re fully toilet trained, where they’ve tried to hold it.
HOW TO HELP YOUR DOG DURING STORMS:
Skip the walk:
Either skip walks completely or reduce the length of your walks. Keep your dog on-lead during walks. Walk them places they are familiar with that are close to home where possible (it avoids them getting spooked and then running off in an area they don’t know)
Be Prepared:
Check garden fences before letting your dog out into the garden. Be willing to pop the lead on and go into the garden with them when it comes to toilet times. This will help avoid any accidents in the home.
Enrichment:
Instead of a walk give your dog extra enrichment activities at home. The ‘sniffier’ and ‘lickier’ the activity the better as these are self soothing for dogs. It will help them to feel more relaxed.
Have a training session:
Teach your dog a new trick or behaviour. Using their brains is tiring for dogs and can be a good alternative to enrichment for a walk replacement.
Interactions:
Have some fun with your dog. Whether it’s a game of hide and seek, or playing with their favourite toy. Maybe it could be a doggy pamper session with a bath and a massage if that’s something your dog would enjoy. Use this opportunity to try some new things and be as creative as you like.
Create a Safe Space:
Designate a safe, comfortable area in your home where your dog can retreat during a storm. Use blankets or toys to create a soothing environment. Play a nice relaxing playlist for them. My GSD loved reggae music.
Be Available:
Your dog is likely to seek you out for extra comfort. Having someone they love and trust at home with them can go a long way to helping them feel more relaxed
Final Thoughts:
If you’re anything like me I find it quite distressing when I see my dogs in a fearful state. I will do anything I can to help them to feel more comfortable.
My spaniel Lenny particularly finds even the sound of storms difficult. To the point he’ll shake so much it looks like he’s vibrating. This is a deep, built in fear for him that has come from being tied up in a field for 2 years prior to coming to me. I expect Lenny to be more vocal during storms, I expect him to want to be touching either my husband, Gamora or I at all times - it brings him comfort and I aim to allow this. I expect to go out into the garden at toilet times - yes I will also get wet and cold but it will help avoid Lenny refusing to go out and then toileting in the house. I will be patient with him, he’s not being ‘naughty’ he’s struggling.
Until next time
Gem
XOXO