How to calm a dog or cat during a storm
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Thunderstorms and severe weather are common triggers of pet anxiety. But by taking proactive steps in pet preparedness, and by learning how to calm your dog or cat during a thunderstorm, you can help soothe their storm anxiety.
一场即将来临的风暴会让最自信的猫狗变得紧张不安. And since storms can appear suddenly and without warning, 适当的宠物准备是至关重要的，特别是因为雷雨季节是一年中丢失宠物最繁忙的时候.
Here’s how you can soothe your cat or dog’s storm anxiety, 以及为什么正确的宠物准备是帮助你最好的朋友度过风暴的关键.
How can I help my cat or dog’s anxiety before a storm?
Identify what triggers your pet’s storm anxiety
了解是什么具体触发了你的宠物的焦虑，将有助于你调整你的方法. 例如, if the crack of thunder sends your pet into a frenzy, try turning on the TV or playing relaxing music.
研究表明 dogs feel static electricity when a storm is approaching. If your dog’s anxiety flares up before the storm clouds roll in, try a ThunderShirt或calm wrap to help ground and soothe your canine. 也, 考虑下载一个提前预警天气应用程序，这样你就可以提前知道你的狗狗对暴风雨的焦虑.
让你的猫或狗脱敏
逐渐向你的宠物引入暴风雨的声音，从低音量开始，随着时间的推移逐渐增加. 将这种行为疗法与宠物最喜欢的食物结合起来，有助于建立一种积极的联系.
脱敏 can help reduce your pet’s fear response, 网上有很多音频片段就是为了这个目的而存在的——只要记住要有耐心，慢慢来!
准备一个宠物急救箱
Consider having a pet preparedness plan in place. 这在今天看来似乎没有必要, but in the event of an emergency or disaster, having emergency pet supplies (including food, 药物, 联系信息, 等.) already packed and ready can be a huge help.
Items you may want to include in your 宠物急救箱:
- 可以照顾你宠物的人的联系方式，以及备用信息
- Food and treats (for at least two weeks)
- 额外带身份标签的项圈(记得更新宠物的微芯片信息)
- 额外的皮带和挽具
- 供应洁净水
- 玩具，床和毯子
- A crate or carrier to transport your pet
- 猫砂和猫砂盒
- Vaccination records and 联系信息 for your veterinary clinic
- Medications and prescriptions with instructions
- 日常护理说明
咨询你的兽医
在宠物焦虑严重的情况下, or if your pet suffers from astraphobia (fear of thunder and lightning), consulting with your veterinarian may be necessary. Look for extreme cat and dog storm anxiety symptoms, 比如躲起来, 踱来踱去, 气喘吁吁, 发牢骚, destructive and aggressive behavior, 或因恐惧而冻结. 在这种情况下，你的兽医可能会开药或推荐替代疗法.
有 宠物健康pp王者电子官网 能确保你的宠物在行为问题上得到必要的照顾，比如风暴焦虑和 分离焦虑.
How can I calm my cat or dog during a thunderstorm?
保持冷静、冷静和镇定
Your pet often looks to you as both an example and a source of security. 在暴风雨中保持冷静向他们发出了一个令人放心的信号:一切都很好. If you panic and start babying your pet at the first sound of thunder, 你自己的焦虑可能会引发他们的焦虑. 同样重要的是，不要责骂或惩罚你的宠物，因为这可能弊大于利.
把你的宠物关在室内并确保安全
虽然练习很重要 家里的宠物安全, it’s even more important during the winter and stormy months. Many pets run away during thunderstorms, 所以让你的宠物安全地呆在室内，用最新的身份标签和更新的微芯片信息. This not only helps reduce their exposure to storm-related triggers, 但这也有助于确保他们的安全，并降低他们迷路的可能性.
It might sound excessive, but confirm all doors and windows are secured. 受惊的狗, 在某些情况下, 在逃跑的过程中，他们破门而入，表现出了非凡的力量.
创造一个安全， 宠物友好型环境
指定一个安静、安全的地方，让你的宠物可以在暴风雨中寻求庇护. 对于狗来说，这可能是一个壁橱或板条箱——许多狗自然会躲在浴室里寻找安慰. For cats, a cozy enclosure or cardboard box is a great (and safe!(躲藏的地方. 你可以用你的狗或猫最喜欢的玩具和毯子来进一步缓解它们的雷雨焦虑.
Limit exposure to external triggers
如果你的狗或猫害怕打雷, 打开平静的音乐或白噪音来帮助淹没暴风雨的声音. 你也可以通过关闭所有的窗帘和百叶窗来保护你的宠物免受闪电的伤害. After all, out of sight, out of mind!
分散注意力
Use pet enrichment and interactive toys to help distract your pet, and engage in gentle games that encourage movement and play. By keeping your pet mentally and physically engaged during a storm, 你可以把他们的注意力从外面的暴风雨中转移开.
A ThunderShirt或calm wrap can also serve as a welcome distraction. These wearable solutions offer a sense of security by providing gentle, constant pressure around your pet’s body.
How can I help my cat or dog’s anxiety after a storm?
即使暴风雨过去了，你的宠物仍然感到焦虑是正常的. Continue providing comfort and reassurance to help them settle, 考虑给他们一个特殊的待遇，作为对他们坚韧的奖励!
解决宠物的雷雨焦虑需要时间和耐心, so reflect on how your pet behaved during the storm. This can be valuable for understanding their specific triggers, and can also help you tailor your approach for the future. 如果你的宠物的风暴焦虑保持不变或恶化，咨询你的兽医.
In 2023, 有创纪录数量的猫和狗因为宠物风暴焦虑等行为问题寻求兽医治疗.脚注 1 但是在…的帮助下 宠物医疗pp王者电子官网，你的狗或猫可以得到他们需要的支持，帮助他们一劳永逸地克服焦虑.
学习如何 宠物pp王者电子官网政策 can be t在这里 throughout your pet's lifetime. 也可以看看我们收集的 宠物用品 for other tips and advice for your furry friends.
