Dog Afraid of Thunderstorms?

Is your dog afraid of thunderstorms? We've all heard the quote: April showers bring May flowers... but it also brings some pretty bad storms, too. And if your Miniature Schnauzer stresses out or becomes anxious when loud sounds occur, you know all too well just how miserable he must be when its thundering and lightning outside. 

Thunderstorms & Lightning frightened some dogs causing them stress and anxiety.

The loud booming sounds of thunder and flashes of lightning can cause a frightened dog to react negatively and sometimes even put themselves in danger! The list below includes some of the unsettling behaviors displayed by fearful dogs during such events.

Depending on how severe their fears are, these behaviors can range from mild to extreme.

Signs a Dog Fears Thunderstorms

  • Pacing
  • Hiding
  • Trembling
  • Whining
  • Drooling

And sometimes this fear can lead a dog to more destructive behaviors:

  • Urinating or defecating inside your home
  • Destruction of property
  • Physical endangerment


How to Calm Dog During Thunderstorm

First of all, consult with your veterinarian. Your vet can prescribe some calming medications for your Mini Schnauzer, if necessary. In the meantime, you can try some of these at-home remedies to help calm your dog and ease his fear and anxieties during thunderstorms.

Create a Safe Place: Prepare a special area in your home where your Mini Schnauzer can go to feel safe. A room that has no windows (like a bathroom perhaps) would be a good choice. Have a dog bed, blankets, and a favorite snuggle toy in there for your Schnauzer's comfort.

***note: DO NOT lock your Schnauzer in his crate. Some dogs freak out so badly that they may cause themselves harm just by trying to escape from their own crate.

Drown out the noise: Turn on some calming music for dogs to help drown out the loud noises from a thunderstorm and help your dog relax. Or turn on the television or if your Schnauzer is in a bathroom, you can turn on the exhaust fan.

Comfort your dog to a certain extent: While you don't want o over-do-it, you should speak calmly to your dog and assure your Schnauzer everything is okay. If you are home during the thunderstorm, allow you Schnauzer to cuddle up with you on the couch. Turn the TV on and gently massage your Schnauzer while you ignore the sounds of the storm.

***note: It's important that you don't over react yourself to any of the loud roars of thunder. Your Miniature Schnauzer will interpret this as a validation of his fearful feelings and being afraid of the storm.

Use Calming Aids: Comfort Zone with D.A.P. Diffuser can reduce or completely stop stress-related behaviors including: barking, whimpering, whining, chewing, and urinating. It calms dogs during thunderstorms and fireworks or when they are left home alone. Ot choose a calming collar for dogs.

Use other Distractions: Play some indoor games or get your dog distracted by teaching him a new trick for treat rewards. Food and/or treats always trump everything else.

Body Wrapping: According to some experts body wrapping has a calming effect on the nervous system. Using this type of pressure to relieve anxiety has been a common practice for years. If you don't own a thundershirt (below), you can use ace bandages to create a wrap for your dog or put him in a snug spandex dog t-shirt.

Thundershirt for Dogs: Wearing a Thundershirt can give a dog the feeling of safety and comfort, thus allowing him to settle down and relax. It does so by providing a gentle, constant pressure that has a calming effect on the nervous system, which in turn allows the dog to relax.

Watch how Joe, the boxer reacts to thunderstorms before & after the Thundershirt.



"Knowledge Share"... If you found this article on Help for Dogs Afraid of Thunderstorms helpful and informative, please share it with your dog-loving friends by clicking on one of the share links (like facebook, twitter, and google +1) located at the top right or bottom of this page.


Go from Dog Afraid Thunderstorms to About the Miniature Schnauzer on Schnauzers Rule

Go from Dog Afraid of Thunderstorms to Miniature Schnauzer Training

Related Topics:
Dog Articles
Hurricane Preparedness for Pets
Dogs and Fireworks

Search Schnauzers-Rule.com


Custom Search


Miniature Schnauzers Rule
Share this page:
Share page info with family & friends. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.

Hide a Squirrel

hide a squirrel AMZN

Schnauzer Tested and Approved Dog Toy: Hide a Squirrel on AMAZON

GET HEALTHY

icon health 1

Great deals on vitamins for your pet!

Note: I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Zymox Vet Shampoo for Dogs AMZN

Veterinary Strength Shampoo for Dogs helps destroy bacteria and fungi that cause skin infections and Schnauzer Bumps


Mini Schnauzer Family Sun Shade for your car's windshield. So dang cute

Sch Windshield AMZN

Adorable Schnauzer Kitchen Quick Drying Dish Towel

Sch Kitchen Towel AMZN

Schnauzers Rule on Zazzle

zazzle schnauzer shop
Schnauzers Rule Zazzle Shop

Be sure to visit our Zazzle store. We have lots gifts for Miniature Schnauzer Lovers including T Shirts, Stickers, Home Decor items and more. Got Schnauzer?


Schnauzer Health Care

DOG HEALTH SERIES
Diabetes
Pancreatitis
Kidney Stones
Schnauzer Bumps
Schnauzer Checkup Chart
Dog Pain Symptoms
Dog Allergies
First Aid for Dogs
CPR for Dogs
Heimlich Maneuver for Dogs
Pet Insurance
Veterinarian



Special Promotional Offers

Check out all the cute dog customers on AMAZON

Amazon purchases through affiliate links, earn me a small commission

PUPPY SUPPLIES

dog supplies amazon general