Get Your Dog Safely Through a Storm

Thunder storms affected pets differently. Some hardly notice them, others get extremely worked up. Count yourself lucky if you a dog that doesn't mind storms and loud noises like fireworks. However, if you have a dog that starts whimpering at the very slightest rumbling of thunder in the distance, here's some tips to help you.

The first sign of trouble is usually restlessness. They may be pacing, panting or whining. If you have an inside dog, they're probably either attached to you, or they're hiding under a bed somewhere.

Not everything is going to work for every dog. The best way is to try a variety of options to see what works best for your dog.

If you normally crate your dog, crating them during a storm is the first thing I'd try. If you have a wire crate, it may help to put a blanket over it to muffle the sounds. Crating gives the dogs a sense of security. However, if you don't normally crate your dog when you're home, then crating them during a storm may make things worse. In order to try this, practice routinely crating your dog when you're home for times like nap time.

The next tip to try is a natural remedy. There are two I've tried personally on my dogs that I would recommend. The first is the Essential Oil ? Lavender. Essential Oil is an extract from a plant & all natural. All it takes are a few drops & rub it on my dogs paws & then a drop or two on their skin. It absorbs rapidly & has a calming effect. They may still pant, and be restless, but it seems to take the edge off. Once the storm passes, they sleep soundly.

The other natural remedy I've used is "Rescue Remedy" by Bach Flower Essences. Similar to Lavender, it's a natural product that has a soothing effect on your pet. You can pick Rescue Remedy up at your local Veterinarian's Office.

If you have a pet that destroys things when you're not home & there's a thunderstorm, your safest bet will be a sturdy crate. This will be for their safety as well as the safety of your household items. I've heard stories of dogs that have jumped through glass windows because they were frightened by storms.

Short of tranquilizing your dog, there is no magic pill to help them through a storm. It takes time, love and patience to see what works best for your dog.

Suzi Sevcik is the founder of PetLabels.com & proud dog owner. The experiences she writes about comes from living with 3 Golden Retrievers. You can find more pet articles here: http://PetLabels.com/articles/ or email her at suzi@petlabels.com.

---

Preparing Your Home For a New Puppy

While excitement and anticipation will be at the top of... Read More

How Intelligent is Your Dog

It is entirely normal to look for signs of intelligence... Read More

Safety in the Fresh Air and the Outdoors for Your Cat - How To Build a Cattery

Animal welfare organizations and humane societies have been very successful... Read More

Preparing For Your New Dog - What You Need to Know Before He Comes Home

Preparing yourself and your household before, during, and after your... Read More

Ten Tips for Cats Who are Forced to Relocate with Their Owners

For realistic tips for humans who are moving with cats,... Read More

Benny Comes Back!

This has been one of the most rewarding adventures I... Read More

Humming Birds Make Wonderful Pets

Humming birds are wonderful birds that are smart, playful, and... Read More

Six Dog Training Tips to Modify Negative Behavior

Almost every dog owner will have to use some sort... Read More

Round Pen: The Great Equalizer

Although many horsemen and trainers extol the virtues of the... Read More

Dog Tricks: Understanding Your Dogs Capabilities Before You Teach Buddy New Tricks

The performing of dog tricks, while not a necessary part... Read More

Toby ? My Whirling Twirling Sheltie

Five years ago this August a funny little puppy came... Read More

Biting & Nipping Behavior Can Kill Your Dog!

Dog bite injuries are alarmingly the most common condition that... Read More

Declawing Your Cat

This is a very controversial topic which has a lot... Read More

Dog Grooming and Dog Care

Dog grooming is relatively simple for most dogs. I have... Read More

Westies for Sale - Avoiding the Perils of Purebred Puppy Purchases

In the purebred West Highland Terrier puppy market, there are... Read More

Vet Check - Well-Bird Check Up

I know there are differing opinions on the subject of... Read More

Your Dog and the Dentist: Learn the Drill

While "late is better than never," sooner is better than... Read More

5 Things to Know about Animal Rescue Groups

Over the past decade, breed rescue groups have become a... Read More

Applehead Chihuahua

The term applehead Chihuahua refers to the shape of a... Read More

Easy Tips for Healthy Pets

Do you want a long and healthy life for your... Read More

Canine Bloat

What is Canine Bloat?Bloat refers to the bloating of the... Read More

Ensure a Good Relationship Between Your Cat and Your Kids

Many parents know that the best way for children to... Read More

Chances Of A Lost Pet Being Recovered Increase

Every day we are looking for ways to make our... Read More

Why the Heck Would You Have a Pet Snake (or lizard, crocodile, monitor, frog, turtle etc)?

This is a question that has been asked of me... Read More

How to Keep Your Cat Free from Diseases with Your Quick Guide to Cat Grooming

Even a cat that compulsively cleans itself can benefit from... Read More

The Truth About Declawing

There seems to be an alarming trend to have cats... Read More

Choosing Dog Tags for Your Canine

Remember when you first met your dog? He was fresh... Read More

Essential Oils and MRSA

Natural preventative pet care isn't a new thing but it... Read More

Dog Vaccinations: Doing Shots

Vaccinations play an important part in the preventive healthcare of... Read More

Does Your Dog Miss You Too Much?

Your dog seems to be driving you up the wall... Read More

Beds for the Pets: Sleeping in Comfort

As we love to have a comfortable place to sleep... Read More

Westie Pups - Tips for Success in Housetraining

Perhaps the best way to train your westie pups not... Read More

Dog House Training: Straightforward Advice

Making sure that accidents don't happen in the first place... Read More