Does Your Dog Experience Panic Attacks When It Storms

Does Your Dog Experience Panic Attacks When It Thunders

How to Care for Your Dog During a Storm



Does Your Dog Experience Panic Attacks During Thunderstorms



When a thunderstorm or even worse, tornado hits, some dogs experience such overwhelming fear that they experience panic attacks. Some symptoms are peeing in the house, crying, scratching at themselves and the house, and hiding until the feeling of the threat has passed. This is something that can happen to any dog at any age and is something that you should take seriously. If you live in an area where storms are frequent, you might feel at a loss for how to help alleviate the panic attacks in your dog when the weather turns nasty. .Here are some helpful tips for how to care for your dog during a storm.



How to Care For Your Dog During Panic Attacks

1. Provide a hiding space.
Don’t force your dog to stay or cuddle with you if she wishes to hide. Provide the underneath of a bed, a dark closet, or some other nook that they can squeeze into and feel safe. Tell them they are a good dog and let them have the space to themselves. Some quite music might help or not. You know your dog best. Don’t force them out before they are ready, instead let them come out when they are comfortable.

2. Use essential oils.
Oils such as lavender can help relax your dog and even make her sleepy. Add a drop or two to the dog’s collar so they can inhale the scent and feel calmer and at peace. You can also try using a diffuser and diffusing the lavender oil so it fills the space with fragrance. If your dog will allow it run some lavender oil onto their ears. The scent will be close enough to their nose that it will help calm them without adding to the problem. If your dog has sensitive skin mix the essential oil with some coconut oil before applying.

3. Provide a comforting touch.
If your dog allows you to touch him or her, provide gentle strokes along the back and assure her that she is ok. Your voice and a gentle touch can make all the difference and really help her to relax more. If your dog likes to cuddle in blankets offer a few extra and keep the room nice and dark and not too cold.

4. Close the windows.
Close the windows and blinds to help block out the loud noises and flashing lights. If your dog is prone to panic attacks during stomrs this likely will not help much but will make the house feel more den like and calming to your dog. Providing this simple barrier is an easy way to encourage the calm and help the dog feel more at peace.

5. Pull out the snacks.
Just like adults appreciate comfort food, so do dogs. Now is a great time to pull out a special snack that the dog can nibble on. Or, offer a a chew toy or a favorite stuffed animal for them to occupy themselves. Though chances are if you landed on this post because you need help with a dog that has panic attacks they likely will not take food until the storm is over and will have no desire to play either. a nice pillow or blanket and maybe their favorite doll is the most you can hope them to accept.



How have you helped a Dog that Experiences Panic Attacks during Storms?


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Comments

  1. Great advice! Our new brother, Bruin is not a fan of any loud noise. We have had several storms the past week which have been rather loud. Sometimes we turn up the tv and keep him busy with toys and treats until it’s over.
    Miley recently posted..Our Own All-StarMy Profile

  2. Bentley is terrified during thunderstorms. I spoke with Dr. Anna at BlogPaws 2014 and we discussed his problem. She recommended a ThunderShirt. It has made an incredible difference. He doesn’t shake at all and has even dozed during a storm. We do turn the television louder, close the blinds, and get on the floor to play or practice tricks. Combining these with the shirt have made life easier for him.
    M. K. Clinton recently posted..Telephone DogMy Profile

  3. Once when one holiday in France we had a storm right over head. BD didn’t panic but was running around barking, so I pulled out his tennis ball and we played for the entirety of the storm and a little time after. During that time it was only when there was a really loud bang (enough to make me jump) that he reacted, the rest of the time he couldn’t have cared less!
    Lauranne recently posted..I have changedMy Profile

  4. Very good advice! Storms and fireworks somehow I acquired the anxiety after 2 years old. We finally bought a Thundershirt, it helps a lot. Love Dolly
    Dolly the Doxie recently posted..Dolly and the Dog WalkerMy Profile

  5. My sister Katie just goes to the interior bathroom and goes to sleep. Bailie and I could care less, but lots of dogs do get scared. Sharing.
    Emma recently posted..Meet My Peanuts Pal FranklinMy Profile

  6. The thundershirt did not work for my ShihTzus, both rescues. I have had a little success with liquid melatonin and peppermint essential oil. I eyedropper the melatonin orally, a few drops, and a bit on the earflaps, and put the peppermint oil on their foot pads (sparingly) with a cottonball. Have no idea where this came from, but it takes the edge off, not totally, but, especially for my little girl, who is so terrorized, it gives her a little relief.

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