How to Calm Your Dog During Thunderstorms

Distract your dog during a thunderstorm to ease fears.

Dogs that are frightened during thunderstorms may be difficult to calm down. Some methods to calm agitated or anxious pets might work for some dogs, but not for others. Your best bet is to anticipate the situation and be aware of your options for settling your pet.

Things You'll Need

• Soft music
• Television
• Another dog

Instructions

1. Lead your dog into a crate, which may provide a sense of security. Keep the door open, but cover the crate with a blanket to block out the noise of the storm.

2. Distract your dog with his favorite toy, a game of fetch or a handful of treats. The distraction may lead it to associate storms with good -- not bad -- things.

3. Act normally during the storm to convey that all is well. Avoid making moves to soothe or comfort your dog during the storm. Acknowledging and reinforcing storm-related anxiety acts as a reward for your dog's behavior.

Tips & Warnings

• Stay will your dog. When you stay near and close to your dog, his fear will dissipate. Comforting and petting your dog may help him cope with his fear of thunderstorms.

• Try to not leave your dog alone during a thunderstorm. Dogs left alone during storms may become destructive or have an accident in your home. If you work, or have to leave him when it storms, leave the television or radio on. When you employ these methods, you may help your dog stay calm during thunderstorms.

References

• Doctors Foster and Smith: Thunderstorm Phobia: How to Reduce Fear
• Country Living: How Do You Calm Dogs During Thunderstorms?