While summertime’s thunderstorms can instill fear in dogs, they can be trained to manage their reactions and feel calmer through all the noise and bright flashes.

Thunderstorms are a common fear in dogs, causing many to panic and run away, become destructive, or even hurt themselves. Dogs can sense a storm’s approach by the rapidly falling barometric pressure, and so can begin to show signs of anxiety even before the storm can be heard.

Follow these tips to help your dog learn to be relaxed during storms, fireworks or other loud disturbances that may be frightening to him.

1 .Always keep proper identification securely fastened to your dog’s collar in case he gets out. Consider talking to your veterinarian about implanting a universal microchip in your pet for life-long identification. Remember to update your veterinary clinic and animal shelter with your correct contact information.

2. Give your dog a safe place to stay during storms. Inside your home, create a quiet den-like area where your dog can feel secure. A properly introduced crate or kennel can be a calming refuge for him. When a storm is brewing, lead your dog to his special place to help him feel calm and protected.

3. If your dog lives outside, cover his doghouse or dog run with a blanket to shield him from the bursts of lightning. Outside dogs can get lost or even injured if they escape their fenced yards in fear during storms.

4. Dogs can pick up fear or discomfort with storms from their people, so it is important that you develop a calm, matter-of-fact attitude. Let your dog stay close and try to distract him with activities like play or brushing. Do not try to reassure him in a sympathetic voice-this will sound like praise and may increase his nervousness and confusion.

5. Some dogs become destructive when frightened. A crate is always the best way to keep your dog safe and your belongings intact. If you don’t use a crate, remove any items in the room that your dog could destroy or which could hurt him if he chewed them.

6. During a storm, keep windows and curtains closed to reduce noise and bright flashes. Turn on a TV or radio playing soft music at normal volume to distract your dog and help him to relax.

7. Keep your dog away from doors that lead outside. Your dog may be under significant stress, which could result in unnecessary injury to others entering your home or cause him to dart outside and get lost or injured.

8. Your dog may become incontinent due to his extreme fear and the rush of adrenaline he experiences during a storm. Be prepared for this, and don’t react if it occurs.

9. Dogs that continue to panic in thunderstorms may have to be reconditioned by creating an artificial storm with environmental recordings. While reconditioning can be a time-consuming procedure, it can have a high success rate. A qualified Bark Busters dog behavioral therapist can help you teach your dog to be calmer during storms.

10. In the most extreme cases, medication in conjunction with training may be the best solution to help your dog cope with his fear of storms. Consult with your veterinarian about possible treatments.

Your dog’s phobia about thunderstorms won’t get better on its own. Help him learn that “it’s just noise” and is nothing for him to worry about. When he learns to relax and remain calm, you can relax and not worry about your dog during future storms.

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Keeping your dog healthy through exercise

Since the weather has now taken a warmer turn, it is likely that many people will want to allow their pets more time outdoors for play. Just as our children need to heed to certain guidelines for safety and soundness, so does your dog.

Your dog’s basic overall health really depends on his size, weight and breed type. Obviously, the larger kind of breed your pet is, the more space is needed to provide for his or her exercising needs. Of course, walks in the park are a recreational way for both dog and owner to keep fit in spare time, but what about the times when you are unable to take your dog out to the park?

As a responsible pet owner, it is your duty to see that your dog gets the proper amount of exercise as is significant for maintaining their well being. Many owners of the larger breeds of dogs may keep their animals outside while they are out working or attending other functions with the family that don’t allow pets. However, keeping your dog tied to his doghouse or a tree while you are away does not constitute for proper care and exercise. Most dogs will bore of this and eventually find ways to entertain themselves; like breaking free and exploring the neighbourhood.

The best part about owning a dog of any size is that it requires that everyone in the family pitch in for its care. If walks in the park are out of the question then try getting the kids to walk the dog before going off to school or some other event. Purchasing a fence for your yard where the dog can run about on its own while you’re busy is another option.

Leaving a dog to entertain itself is an okay back up plan, but you didn’t get a dog to just leave it in the backyard. Interaction and companionship is what you wanted from your pet, so interact with it!

Playing Frisbee and fetch with a ball or a stick is an excellent way to build muscle in your pet and it entertains everyone in the process. If your dog is the kind that loves to travel, then taking him with you on long trips such as when you’re camping are another way that you and your pet can achieve exercise while getting involved with new scenery and learning about nature.

While having fun with your dog, however keep in mind that like you, he also needs periods of rest and plenty of water in order to stay hydrated throughout an eventful day, especially during the summer months because dogs are unable to sweat as humans do, therefore their only means of cooling themselves is through panting, which also helps to keep their blood circulated and flowing in a regular fashion.

If your dog is kept outdoors for long periods of time throughout the day then make sure that he has plenty of water and has access to a lot of shade where he can stay cool and protected from the heat. Lastly, remember that if you start a regular exercise routine or pattern with your dog to keep it going. The only way to make a healthy pet is to be consistent and also, to keep it interesting, mix up the routine every once in a while to keep both of you from boredom.

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