Warmer weather can often mean more thunderstorms, which is not only stressful for pets, but also their owners. Thunder can cause anxiety in pets due to the sudden loud noise, especially if pets have experienced past trauma.

Some dogs can also be sensitive to changes in the weather. Before a storm arrives, there are often changes in the air pressure, humidity and wind. When dogs sense these changes, they may begin to take steps to find protection.

Common signs your pet is anxious include:

• Panting and shaking
• Drooling
• Excessive yawning
• A tucked tail & ears pinned back
• Toileting in the house

Keeping an eye on the weather forecast and knowing when to expect a thunderstorm can help you to prepare in advance and help settle your pet before it happens, rather than during.

Here are some  top tips to help keep your pet calm during the storm:

Avoid walks

Keep your pet indoors and avoid any walks when you know the thunderstorm will happen. Dogs can sense changes in the weather, which may make them nervous, and they could panic and run off.

Create a safe space/den

Create a den for your pet, with an item of your clothing and their favourite toys and blanket. This will help increase their sense of security. Let them come and go as they please during the storm.

Use the TV or radio to muffle the sound

Switch the tv or radio on to something soothing, which will help to block out the sound of the storm. If you must leave your pet alone when you know there is going to be a thunderstorm, this also provide them with some company. Closing blinds or curtains will also help to block the noise and limit flashes of lightening.

Secure your home

Some dogs can get spooked and run off and hide. Check your home and garden for any possible escape routes and be sure to block off any exists. Make sure your pet’s microchip details are up-to-date incase the run off and get lost.

Keep calm yourself

Try to stay calm yourself during the storm and don’t react to the loud claps of thunder. Pets can pick up on stress and will react to you. Just reassure them gently and be as normal and routine as possible.

Distraction

Provide your pet with plenty of toys to distract them from the storm. Use toys to distract and play with your pet, but don’t force them to play if they don’t seem interested and prefer to be left alone.

Use a natural calming support

Ask your vet about Nutracalm, which is specially formulated to calm pets fast, without any sedative effect. Nutracalm is recommended by hundreds of vets throughout the UK & Ireland has been designed to aid a quick natural response once taken, with results often evident within 1 hour of taking the capsule.