Spring storms in Texas can be very dynamic and can be very stressful for our furry friends. Some dogs react to the change in pressure and others are fearful of the sounds of high winds and thunder. This month I will be discussing ways to help your dog without using pharmaceuticals during these weather events. 

First, and most important is to make sure that your dogs are safe if you are home and especially if you are away. If you use a doggy door, please make sure that it is closed and locked if there is bad weather predicted. You don’t want a scared dog darting out the door in flight mode! Second, before letting your dogs out after a storm, walk your fence line. Make sure that your fence is standing, and all boards are intact. This is especially important if you have a small dog that could get through small gaps in your fencing.

I like to create a safe place for my dogs to retreat to if they are scared. For mine, they like to curl up in their crates. If I am home, I always make sure they have access to open kennels, and I keep them kenneled if I plan to be away from home. Safe places do not have to be crates or kennels, there are lots of creative and clever ways to incorporate a safe place into your home. Small closets, unused space under stairs, or even open cubbies or nooks in side tables. Closets and/or bathrooms with no windows are best, but the dog must be able to have access to that area all the time. Leaving the lights on can help to ease stress from the flashing lightning. 

Providing distractions during storms will help your dog. Short training sessions is my favorite go to. I also like stuffed Kongs or snuffle mat time. (see my write up on enrichment from February newsletter for more enrichment ideas!) 

Thunder Shirts are very popular for storm phobic dogs. They work well for a lot of dogs, but not all. A quick trick for some dogs is to rub a fabric softener sheet over the dog’s body. This helped my older dog who was bothered by the change in pressure. Soothing music is also helpful during storms. There are products that have been developed by veterinarians that have music proven to calm dogs. The Sound Oasis Pet Bluetooth Speaker is one I think works the best. 

Essential oils have also worked well for calming dogs. Lavender especially, also Chamomile and Frankincense oil calm and promote relaxation in dogs (and you!) The important think to look for when buying essential oils for you or your pets, is to make sure that you are getting medical grade or human grade oils.   Plant Therapy makes rollers that I love! They are small and easy to travel with so I can have them at the ready if we are traveling. Pheromone therapy is also another way to relieve stress. Adaptil makes collars, diffusers and sprays. Their collars have helped so many of our friends at the shelter (Huge thank you to those that purchased the collars off our wish list!), but the collars are better suited for dogs under more daily type stresses. Having the Adaptil spray or putting a diffuser close to your dogs safe place would be ideal for storms. 

One of my favorite Amazon finds is the Cozy Vest. It is a 3 in one calming jacket that the hug feel like the Thunder Shirt, but also adds music and essential oils! I never travel overnight with my dogs without this with us! 

There are herbal medicines that also work well if the above things aren’t helping your dog. I strongly recommend talking to your vet or seeking out a holistic DVM if you want to try one of these methods with your dog. Melatonin, a naturally occurring neurohormone, can help calm and relieve anxiety in dogs. Valerian root comes from the Valeriana officinalis, a flowering perennial found in Europe, Asia, and North America. While the exact science behind this herb isn’t known, it’s believed that the stems, or roots, of the plant work to block nerve transmissions in the brain that stimulate activity. In other words, valerian root has a calming effect on the brain. Valerian root supplements can be found in the form of teas, oils, powders, capsules, or even the dried root in its full form. CBD is also used for a calming dogs, I do not know what products they sell at the local shops, but for my dogs I get ElleVet through my vet.