Deafening thunder can be a little scary even for a full - uprise human who know it ’s harmless , so your dog ’s threat is apprehensible . But why precisely dothunderstormssend so many of our pawed pal into a spin ?
Manydogsare straiten by unexpected loud interference — a term known as racket aversion , ornoise phobiain more grievous typesetter’s case — and sudden bombshell decrease into that family . What break a roar siren orfireworks showfrom a thunderstorm in a dog ’s creative thinker , however , is that dogs may in reality recognise a thunderstorm is amount .
AsNational Geographicexplains , not only can dogs easily see when the sky make sorry and find when the wind picks up , but they can also comprehend the shift in barometric press that occurs before a storm . The anxiousness of fuck loud noise is on its way may knock over your wienerwurst as much as the noise itself .
Static electricity could also tote up to this anxiousness , especially for dogs with long and/or blockheaded hair . Tufts University veterinary behaviorist Nicholas Dodman , who alsoco - foundedthe Center for Canine Behavior Studies , toldNational Geographicthat a inactive electrical shock when brush up against metal may heighten your dog ’s agitation during a storm .
It ’s difficult to nail down why each dog despises thunderstorm . As Purinapoints out , one could simply be thrown off by a break from routine , while another may be most troubled by the lightning . In any case , there are ways to help oneself calm your stressed favorite .
If your dog ’s favored bit during a tempest is in the bath , they could be trying to stay near smooth , static - less surfaces for fear of getting shocked . become them up in an anti - static jacket or pet them down with anti - electrostatic drier sheets may help .
you may also make a safe haven for your pup where they ’ll be unmindful to sign of a storm . Purina conduct research scientist Ragen T.S. McGowan suggests drape a blanket over their crate , which can aid dull make noise . For dogs that do n’t utilise ( or like ) crates , a cozy room with drawn blinds and a blanched noise political machine can ferment alternatively .
Consulting your veterinary surgeon is a skilful idea , too ; if your dog ’s thunderstorm - associate stress is really causing issues , an anti - anxiety prescription could be the best option .
[ h / tNational Geographic ]
