How to calm your dog during a thunderstorm?
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Help your dog feel calmer, try out ThunderShirt calming wrap!
- Thunderstorms can be a bit of a surprise and last minute in the UK. A ThunderShirt is your perfect tool as it helps your dog feel calmer, quickly.
- Already helping millions of dogs, and helps to calm in 80% of cases.
- ThunderShirt provides gentle, calming pressure around your dog’s torso, helping to soothe their anxiety.
- Recommended by trainers & vets, and it's simple to use!
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Create a calm and safe place
- Try to find the most soundproof room in your home.
- You could move your dog's bed into this room, and bring clothing that smells like you to provide comfort.
- Bring in toys and treats, or anything else your dog loves into the room!
- Play Calming Music for Dogs
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Provide fun and tasty distractions
- Is a storm the perfect time for a game of tug of war, or a good belly rub? Maybe, see how your dog responds to the distraction! It can turn a negative experience into a positive one!
- If you can distract your dog from the storm through a game or some good old fashion quality time, it can help to put your dog at ease.
We recommend:
Calming vest for when thunderstorms are coming
Fast calming tasty chew
TESTIMONIALS
See how ThunderShirt helped these Dogs:
How ThunderShirt helped Lauren's dog Luna
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE EXPERTS TO HELP YOUR DOG WITH THUNDERSTORMS
torms can be unpredictable (especially in the UK!) and sporadic. Dogs have special senses and may start to worry and sense a storm way before we even do.
There is nothing worse than seeing your sweet fur-baby pace, pant and shake during these loud noises. You can help comfort and calm your dog when they experience a fear of loud noises. Are you ready to turn terror into tranquillity, and nervousness into a nap? Join millions of other families who are wrapping their dogs with love with ThunderShirt.
Be your dogs best friend
Always keep your dog indoors, Thunder can rumble at any point as so you do not want them to run away scared when spooked. It is important we still try to do our part to prepare in advance it means we can do our best to reduce the amount of stress they may feel during this time.
If your dog comes to you for cuddles and support, give it to them as it helps them feel safe and secure. Just don’t force it on them if they are not asking for it.
The trainer's tip: always act calm like there is nothing to be scared about. They will sense this from you.
Consult a professional
If none of the below completely calms your dog, and he or she still seems very distressed during storms, contact an accredited dog trainer/behaviourist or your vet for additional assistance. They can help you work on a long term plan to overcome this fear completely and could suggest to a desensitisation programme to loud noises or another support. A loud noise fear can develop, so what starts with just a Thunder/Fireworks fear could develop into more e.g. backfiring cars, bird scarer etc.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - DOG SCARED OF THUNDERSTORMS
IS MY DOG AFRAID OF STORMS? WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?
Behaviourists and dog trainers explain that the signs of stress are varied. Some of them are obvious: shaking during a storm, hiding during fireworks, destroying the house when left alone. Some are not-at-all obvious and often misunderstood.
Did you know that yawning, lip-licking and even tail-wagging are common signs of stress too?
HOW CAN THUNDERSHIRT HELP MY DOG WITH LOUD AND STORMY WEATHER?
Wearing a ThunderShirt can aid in alleviating general dog anxiety. Loud noises like storms can be very stressful for some dogs.
No complicated training is needed to use this calming vest, just follow the instructions. It can be beneficial for your dog to build up a positive association with the shirt, so a few try on's with treats can really help.
The N°1 dog calming wrap in the US can provide an immediate effect to relax your dog. It works thanks to the soft and constant pressure of the shirt on your dog's body, like swaddling an infant.
HOW TO CREATE A CALM AND SAFE PLACE IN YOUR HOME FOR YOUR DOG?
Distract with other noises. Turn up the TV, turn on the radio music and white noise can be a good way to hide the sounds of the Thunder.
Do not create a whole new spot for your dog to use, set up a super cosy area where they tend to naturally go. E.g. their crate or their bed. If you can make it into a den, dogs like to feel snuggled and cozy, it helps them feel safe.
Our Dog Trainer Expert suggests to give them treats and toys, also a blanket that smells like you to be even more at ease.
Read our top tips to help keep your dog calm if they are scared of thunder.