5 tips to reduce your dog’s stress during the rain

Dogs’ hearing is one of the most developed senses in the animal kingdom, far surpassing human hearing capacity. This sensitivity allows them to detect noises at long distances and perceive sound nuances that go unnoticed by us. During intense rain, common in summer, the sounds of wind, thunder and drops falling on different surfaces can be extremely disturbing for dogs, generating discomfort, stress, anxiety and even fear.

During an episode of stress, the dog demonstrates several characteristics that must be observed by owners. The main ones are:

• Excessive tremors;
• Escape attempts;
• Loss of appetite;
• Rapid breathing;
• Frequent barking;
• Restlessness.

To assist the tutors In this situation, Karin Botteon, veterinarian and technical manager of the pets from Boehringer Ingelheim, presents five tips to help your dog relax in a tense moment. Check it out!

1. Natural or pharmaceutical medicines

The use of pheromones, such as those synthetic analogues of maternal odor, are available in spray or diffuser format and help dogs feel safe and protected in the environment, being an excellent option for calming dogs. pets.

Another strategy that can be applied is supplementation with natural products such as tryptophan, passionflower, among others, or even medicines that can relieve stress. However, the use of these tools is only recommended with veterinary guidance.

2. Dog headphones

There are specific headphones or earplugs on the market for dogs, which are a great option for drowning out the noise of rain. However, when dogs are not used to using this type of equipment, it is essential that the owner carries out prior training so that the animal gets used to it and does not reject the headphones.

The ideal is to create a relaxing environment so that the dog remains calm during the rain. Image: Rodrigo Pukan | Shutterstock

3. Keep your dog distracted and entertained during the rain

Creating a pleasant environment, closing curtains and windows, reducing ambient light and using comfortable beds or houses is extremely important. Turning on the TV or playing relaxing music in the room can help distract your dog during the storm as well. The use of interactive toysespecially those that release food or snacks, is even more recommended, as it diverts the animal’s attention from the noise.

4. Training is the key to success

Ideally, the training For these situations, it must be started as a puppy and the owner can use videos with sounds of rain and thunder during positive interactions, such as games and snacks, so that the dog associates those sounds with something that makes him happy and relaxed. The intensity of the noises must be gradually increased during the training period so that there is no fright or stress at the first contact with the noises.

However, if the dog is already an adult, practicing basic commands, such as “sit” and “down”, during the storm, with the help of snacks and games, can help distract the dog, requiring focus and concentration and redirecting its attention. from fear to an activity that requires physical and mental effort.

5. Stay calm

In addition to these strategies, the specialist highlights the importance of the owner feeling calm throughout this situation, as the dog can perceive anxiety and become even more stressed. “The first step for the dog Feeling safe is understanding that humans are not distressed by the situation. Before carrying out any interaction, make sure you are calm and talk to your pet in a reassuring manner and in a gentle tone. This will make a total difference during the episode”, adds Karin Botteon.

In more serious cases, when the methods described do not calm the animal, it is recommended to consult a veterinary behaviorist. The professional will be able to present new personalized paths to help control anxiety during more intense crises.

By Breno Beham