Does your Pet have Storm Phobia?

Summer months are a great time of year for you and your pets to be out and about enjoying the sun. However, there is a downside to this time of the year and for some fur babies, a time of year they dread.
With the warm months comes thunderstorms which for some pets they can take in their stride but for others their anxiety levels can literally go through the roof!
It’s just so sad to see our pets shaking as they get so scared and anxious, and as soon as the thunder starts, many of our pets panic, try and hide and we feel like there is nothing we can do to change how they feel.

So why are pets scared of thunderstorms?

There are several different theories around why our pets dislike thunderstorms so much. The main reason seems to be quite simply, that the thunder is loud, and they just don’t understand what is happening so they can perceive it as being something threatening.

There are other theories around them feeling changes in the air pressure as the storm approaches and even feeling static electricity in their fur. So, no wonder they appear to go into panic, and for some, run around the house almost looking like they are trying to escape from the storm.

Signs of Storm Phobia

For some pets the symptoms can be mild, but for others the symptoms can be extreme leading to some dogs even breaking through doors or walls trying to escape.

Here’s a few warning signs:

Pacing

Trembling

Hiding or extra clingy

Drooling

Being destructive

Self-inflicted trauma

Incontinence

What can we do to help our pets?

There are a few things we can do that may help our pets deal with the trauma of Storm Phobia.

Music or Background Music – If you know a storm is going happen, have some music on or the TV on a little louder to muffle the sound of the storm.

Distractions – Find something that will distract your pet during the storm, this could be with a toy or even a long-lasting yummy treat to try and take their mind off the storm. Interact with them as much as possible.

Be calm – Storms can scare us humans too! But try and be calm around your pet this will help them feel a little safer.

A safe hideaway – Make sure your pet has somewhere to hideaway, somewhere they can’t see the lightning, or they won’t hear the storm as much. Your pet just wants to feel safe.

A Massage – If your pet just wants to be close to you to feel safe, this is a great time to pet them, give them a bit of a massage and cuddle them a little tighter so that they feel secure.

Is there anything that may help my pet?

VitaRapid Tranquil Calming Treats – A great way to distract your pet and help calm them at the same time! VitaRapid treats have been carefully researched and developed to provide quick-acting and essential vitamins and minerals for your dog or cat. Used daily, VitaRapids promote wellbeing and optimal quality of life and maintain emotional balance in cats and dogs.

Vetalogica Hemp Clinicals Calming Treats – Another treat that can be used in stressful situations. Helps maintain calmness in cats and dogs. Use daily during stress situations.Organic Hemp - with Chamomile and L-Tryptophan. Crafted by Pharmacists in Vetalogica's own Sydney Kitchens.

Homeopet Anxiety – A natural solution to help your pet with anxiety. Easy to use, rapid acting liquid drops to help pets to be calm during stressful times. Can be used both short term and long term for anxiety.

Adaptil Diffuser & Spray for Dogs - Mother dogs communicate with their puppies through natural chemical signals, or pheromones. These pheromones are scientifically called Dog Appeasing Pheromones. These pheromones are odorless messages and are only perceived by dogs, not cats or people.

Feliway Diffuser & Spray for Cats - Cats communicate via natural chemical signals, also known as pheromones. FELIWAY replicates these signals helping to comfort and reassure cats and kittens. FELIWAY helps to reduce signs of stress.

Thundershirt for dogs - The Thundershirt applies gentle and constant pressure to your pet like swaddling an infant. There is no training required, it is easy to use, just put it on and watch the results. They have an over 80% success rate as reported by thousands of families, vets and trainers.

PAW Complete Calm – These chews are tasty kangaroo based and contain key ingredients such as Tryptophan (180mg per chew), B group vitamins and a blend of multivitamins and nutrients to support the general health and nervous function in dogs

Your Pets ID

Just on a last note, unfortunately we are not always home to comfort our pets when a storm hits, so if there is any possibility that your pet may panic and try and escape, always make sure that your pets ID Tag and microchip details are up to date just in case. 

When it comes to stressful situations like storms, we know that all pets act differently, but at least there are measures you can take to try and minimise the stress and anxiety your fur baby suffers.

Some of these measures may be trial and error until you find what works for you and your pet so that you weather the storm with minimal stress and your pets are relaxed, safe and happy again.