The weather so far this summer has been nothing less than unpredictable, from intense heat to pouring rain, with the odd thunderstorm for good measure. With this in mind, it’s important to understand how each condition can impact our pets, and how we can help to keep them safe and healthy whatever the weather.
With Google searches for ‘are dogs scared of thunder’ up 198% in the last month, it’s clear pet parents are keen to learn how to care for their pets if they’re distressed during a storm.
What many people don’t realise is that our pets are able to sense barometric pressure changes, meaning they may show signs of distress long before a storm arrives. If your pet is particularly sensitive to the early signals a storm is coming, it is quite likely that any rumbles of thunder will be picked up by their inner ears long before the human ear registers this sound.
With this in mind, the experts at Animal Friends Pet Insurance have outlined some signs your pets may display in the run-up to a thunderstorm, as well as advice on how to keep your pet calm when the claps and crashes really begin:
Is your pet sensing a storm?
Signs to look for in your dog:
Panting excessively, drooling or yawning
Shaking
Putting their tail between their legs
Signs to look for in your cat:
Hiding in enclosed spaces, such as under the bed
Frantic facial grooming
Erratic behaviour, like pacing or clawing furniture
If you notice any of these signs, it might be worth checking the weather forecast to see if they’re on to something!
These changes in behaviour are often triggered by distress and anxiety as our pet’s natural survival instincts of “fight or flight” kick in. If a storm is brewing and your pet is behaving in an unusual way, there are some key steps you can take to help.
Catrin George, animal wellbeing specialist at Animal Friends Pet Insurance shares advice on how to keep your pet calm and safe during thunderstorms:
Keep them indoors
Always try to keep your pet indoors during thunderstorms or bring them in as quickly as you can. Avoid dog walks or letting your cat out of the house when a storm’s due, especially pets that get scared of the noise. Being outdoors when the weather is on the turn could increase the risk of some pets trying to flee in an attempt to find safety and hide from the upcoming storm. Even those pets who aren’t as worried by the noise could still be faced with the potentially dangerous repercussions of the weather such as falling tree branches or flash flooding.
Remember: Make sure your pet’s microchip information is up to date so that if they are spooked by the storm and run off, you can have the best chance of being reunited.
Block out the elements
Having the TV or radio on in the background can help distract your pet from the noises outside, whilst closing the curtains should also help to reduce the visual effect of any lightning.
Top tip: Classical music is the most effective and soothing for pets3.
Create a safe space
Try to provide a safe area to which your furry friend can retreat when it’s too noisy outside. A comfy, enclosed bed or a crate draped with a blanket can help your pet feel safe and secure.
Try a pressure wrap
Like swaddling a baby, a thunder wrap, vest, jacket, or shirt applies a gentle, constant pressure to your pet’s torso, helping to release calming hormones and endorphins. This light touch can help calm pets in stressful situations such as thunderstorms but can work equally well during fireworks or a trip to the vet.
Top tip: If your pet doesn’t like Velcro (usually found on thunder wraps) then try sitting with them under a weighted blanket or just cuddling with them on the sofa.
Speak to your vet
Consult your vet if your pet gets extremely agitated or anxious during thunderstorms as they may be able to recommend medication or a natural remedy for both dogs and cats during anxious times.
