By Dr. Pamela Fisher, DVM
With spring coming to a close and summer right around the corner, it is important to be ready for thunderstorms and how your pets will react.
One great way to prepare your pet for thunderstorms is to play the sounds for your pet in a controlled manner. Either record some sounds of thunder yourself, or you could easily find some sounds online to reenact the situation for your pet. While playing these sounds, on a low level, always below fear threshold, feed your pet treats so they associate positive events with the sound of thunderstorms. Every few days increase sound slowly, desensitizing by associating positive rewards with calm behavior. Also, when practicing, make sure they have a safe place to go during the sounds (crate, playpen, etc.).
Calm My Stress is made for specific intense stress situations such as thunderstorms. Even during the practice sounds, use Calm My Stress before you start, during and after your desensitization training in order to give them a sense of balance and calming.
During an actual thunderstorm, it is best to allow your pet to go into their safe space. Calming therapeutic Calm My Pet Music in the background can greatly benefit pets during the training sessions and real events. You do not need to drown out the sounds of the thunderstorm, but just having that music playing will provide therapeutic benefits. Also, use Calm My Stress, before, during, and after the storm.
For more information on how to deal with thunderstorms or other specific stresses, feel free to reach out to us through our contact form.