With Memorial Day behind us, the dreaded thunderstorms have officially arrived!

 

Over the years I worked with dogs who were terrified of thunderstorms. Today I share client stories and what you can do to help your dog relax during a storm.

 

In 2007, I remember how quickly Chief, a lab/husky changed from a calm dog to one crouched under a coffee table due to a severe thunderstorm. Within a very short time of using TTouch® on him, Chief came out of hiding and took treats.

 

Last summer, I taught a client how to help her terrified mini-doxie, Andy, with thunderstorms. Andy was so relaxed that night he slept through the storms as Dana watched him!

 

What did I teach these pet parents to help their dogs? Keep reading to find out.

 

Before a thunderstorm is even in the weather forecast:

 

• Spend a few minutes with your pet everyday doing the Tellington TTouch® ear slides.

• For a dog with floppy ears, support your dog's head with one hand. With the other hand, gently place your hand on the dog's skull between the ears. Then on one ear, slowly and lightly, slide your hand down the entire ear. Be sure you are breathing - exhale as you do this. Repeat several times while moving your hand to cover the entire ear.  Then repeat on the other ear.

• For a dog with upright ears, support your dog's head with one hand. Gently place your other hand at the ear base on the skull, and gently fold the ears vertically and stroke up the ear to the tip. Do one ear at a time and be sure you are breathing. Exhale as you stroke up. Repeat several times and then do the other ear.

• Find a place your dog feels comfortable away from windows. Often the bathroom is good spot because of the cool floor and the grounding provided by the water pipes. Sit with your dog in this room or a room she picks.

• Purchase Bach® Rescue Remedy to have on hand. It is a flower essence that helps calm people and pets and is available at health food stores and many pet stores. The original Rescue® Remedy has an alcohol base and the Rescue® Pet has a glycerin base. Follow the directions on the box. On a day predicted to have storms, add 4 drops of Rescue Remedy to his clean drinking water 4 times a day. Also you can put the drops on a porous treat and wait a minute to give it to him.

Before and during a storm:

 

• The pets can feel the barometric pressure changes before we do. You need to start helping them before you see the storm.

• You must relax and be calm for your dog. Exhale and be conscious of your breathing. Play some soft music if it helps you.

• Speak in a low, calm voice. Tell your dog that everyone is safe.

• Give Rescue® Remedy to everyone - people included.

• In your mind, picture your dog is relaxed, sleeping or resting near you. You will be amazed how changing your mind will change your pet.

• Go with your pet to his safe place.

• Do ear slides on her and enjoy the time together.

For other ideas, including Thundershirts (a great tool for frighten pets - cats included), listen to the Katie K-9 radio show when Katie and I discussed thunderstorms and dogs.

 

May you and your dog enjoy the gentle rain.

 

Still need help for your dog with thunderstorms? Click here for a free 15-minute consult.

 

Take care, 

 

Elaine