My senior dog has terrible storm anxiety. Since the traumatic event of Hurricane Michael in 2018, she has developed PTSD symptoms in thunderstorms. Rumbly thunder that shakes the house seems like the end of the world to her. Florida is also known for lightning strikes, second in the nation behind the state of Texas. Animals are sensitive to the static electricity caused by electrical storms. To help our beloved fur baby cope, I have a checklist of things to do when we have stormy weather. Every fur baby is different, but these are the most effective in helping my fur baby cope instead of panicking in a storm. One of these eight ideas may just be the ticket that your fur babies need to weather their storm anxiety!
8 Ways To Help Weather Storm Anxiety
- Escort to a safe, closed-in place to hide close to you, and away from windows. A kennel with a blanket covering it, under the kitchen table, or by a clothes dryer while running is good options.
- Stay calm yourself. If you are feeling nervous and afraid your fur baby will pick up on your emotional state. This will increase their anxiety.
- Speak reassuringly to them that they are safe and that it is going to be okay. Pray over them.
- Play calm music
- Give a chew toy to focus on and help them release their anxiety.
- Storm jackets are wonderful but so is a warm, oversized blanket with your scent on it. It will feel like a hug.
- Benadryl works wonders. Contact your vet first to make sure you give the correct dose for your fur baby.
- Essential oils are great for calming fur baby anxiety in a thunder storm.
“The righteous care for the needs of their animals.”
Proverbs 12:10 (NIV)
Honorable Mentions
Here are a few extra honorable mentions to help your fur baby’s storm anxiety. Do a leashed potty walk before the storm so a bathroom run doesn’t have to be dealt with during the storm. The leash will prevent your dog from panicking and running in every direction for safety. Rainy weather causes older arthritic fur babies to experience more achiness just like in humans. Pain relievers help. Ask your vet. Use thunder soundtracks when there are no storms in your area to desensitize your pet to thunder. Do not overindulge your pet by babying them because they are afraid. Reassure them without coddling them. Give them the tools they need to learn the skill of coping with their storm anxiety. Though they are fearful, stay calm in your responses to them so that your fur baby will feel your confidence that they will be okay.
Bottom Line
The bottom line is to be there for your fur babies. Comfort and encourage them through the thunder and lightning. It is scary but you are going to make it through! Comfort, not coddle so you do not reinforce their fear. Always consult a vet before administering any meds to your pet. Safety is important and should be a priority. I hope these 8 ways to help your fur baby through storm anxiety bring much peace and comfort your way. Before you know it, everything will be back to normal in their world once the storm passes.
All good ideas
Thank you! 🙂