Storms and fireworks aren’t just nerve-wracking for us humans—our furry friends feel it too! Turns out, dogs have an amygdala, just like we do. That’s the little almond-shaped part of the brain that handles fear. Yep, fear isn’t exclusive to humans.
Some dog breeds, like Border Collies, German Shepherds, and Labrador Retrievers, are particularly prone to anxiety during loud noises. So, if you’re the proud owner of one of these pups (or any dog that gets a bit jumpy), you’ll want to be well-equipped with strategies to calm them down when thunder strikes or fireworks light up the sky.
Now, when the storm is brewing, the last thing you want to do is panic. Your dog can sense your stress, and if you freak out, they will too! Stay cool, and you’ll be better able to help your dog stay calm.
In this article, we’ll walk you through a few tricks to help ease your pup’s anxiety. And if you're thinking about supplements for reducing dog anxiety, we will talk about that as well. Keep reading to discover how to bring the calm back to your anxious dog!
1. Bring the Door Indoors to a Safe Space
When your dog is feeling anxious, giving them a quiet, cozy hideout is one of the best things you can do. Think of it as their personal escape room, far away from the scary noises outside.
A basement or an interior room with no windows works great since it blocks out a lot of the sound. Dogs naturally want to hunker down when they’re scared, so creating a safe spot for them is like offering a security blanket.
Here’s how to set up the safe space:
- Pick a quiet room where outside noise is limited.
- Add soft bedding, and blankets, and maybe throw in their favorite toy.
- Try playing calming music or white noise to drown out the fireworks or thunder.
Dogs are all about feeling safe and secure, don't shy away from giving them some calming touch when their anxiety spikes.
2. Use Calming Supplements
Now that your dog is safely in the house, it’s time to be proactive and offer them a supplement to help keep things in check. There are different options you can try, but today, we’ll focus on cannabidiol (CBD) supplements.
Studies have shown that CBD has anxiety-reducing benefits. It has also been found to be safe for dogs as well as other pets. CBD supplements for reducing dog anxiety can be an excellent solution to help your pet stay calm.
In addition to CBD, there are other supplements like melatonin, chamomile, and L-theanine, which can also promote relaxation in dogs. Just remember to always consult your veterinarian before giving your dog any new supplement, especially if they’re on medication.
3. Find Something to Distract Them
Now that your furry friend is indoors and “medicated”, it’s time to keep them busy and distracted. It's okay to try out a new game. Think of something that will get them excited and running around.
Offer them their favorite toy but make them run to get it. The goal here is to burn off some of that nervous energy and keep their mind off the storm.
If your dog loves a good chew, offer them a tough chew toy or a puzzle stuffed with treats. This will keep them engaged, and hey, solving a puzzle or gnawing on a bone is way more interesting than worrying about the weather. Remember, dogs can only focus on one thing at a time, so if they’re working on a tasty snack, they’re less likely to notice the thunder.
And if all else fails, try setting the mood with some calming music or white noise. Not only does it help block out the sounds of the storm, but it can also create a peaceful atmosphere for your pup to soak in.
4. Consider Anxiety Wraps or Weighted Blankets
Once your dog is tired from running around you can allow them to rest. Just like weighted blankets help us humans feel calm and cozy, anxiety wraps can have the same effect on dogs.
These wraps apply gentle, consistent pressure to your dog’s body, which can be incredibly soothing. Many pet owners swear by products like the ThunderShirt, saying it helps their pups feel more secure during noisy, anxiety-inducing events like thunderstorms or fireworks.
If you don’t have an anxiety wrap handy, you can try using a heavy blanket to cover your dog and create a similar calming effect. Just be sure to introduce this method before the storm or fireworks hit so your dog feels comfortable with it.
5. Try Desensitization Training
Now that your dog is safe and sound, it’s time to think long-term. Training your dog to become less sensitive to loud noises can take time, but it’s incredibly effective.
This process is called desensitization, and it involves exposing your dog to the sounds that make them anxious, but in small, manageable doses. Over time, your pup will learn that these noises aren’t so scary after all.
Here’s how to get started:
- Find recordings of fireworks or thunderstorms and play them at a low volume.
- Play the sounds for short periods, gradually increasing the volume as your dog gets more comfortable.
- Reward your dog with treats and plenty of positive reinforcement during and after each training session.
This technique helps teach your dog that these sounds are not a threat, allowing them to stay calm when the real thing happens. While it takes time and patience, desensitization can make a huge difference in reducing anxiety over the long haul.
Conclusion
Fireworks and thunderstorms can be incredibly stressful for dogs, but you can take proactive steps to ease their anxiety. Whether you’re setting up a safe space, using calming supplements for reducing dog anxiety or trying anxiety wraps, these strategies can make a big difference. Healthnews is a great resource for further tips and advice on tackling these challenges.
Always remember to tailor your approach to your dog’s individual needs and consult with a veterinarian before introducing any new supplements or anxiety-reducing methods.
By staying calm and prepared, you’ll help your furry friend feel safe and secure, no matter what’s going on outside.
