14 Aug Can CBD help pets cope with thunderstorms?
Storms can unsettle even the most chilled out pooch. It’s like a mail delivery and vacuum cleaner all at once! Lightning flashes, thunder rumbles, changes in barometric pressure, and even static electricity could send your furry friend running for cover, even though they’re safe indoors. Let’s dig into how to tell if your dog is feeling stressed by a thunderstorm and potential ways to help them feel calmer.
Signs your pet is scared during a thunderstorm
Know what to look for during a storm so you know how to best help your pet. Here are some of the signs that your dog is feeling anxious or stressed:
- Ears pinned back
- Tail down or pulled between legs
- Barking or whining
- Shaking and pacing
- Hiding
- Faecal incontinence
- Destructive behaviour
- Body posture low to the ground.
How to calm a pet during a thunderstorm
All pets have different reasons for their fear of storms. For some, it’s the loud rumble of thunder, while others are sensitive to barometric pressure changes. Here are some ways to help soothe your pet during a thunderstorm:
- Create a quiet and comfy haven that your pet can retreat to
- Keep your pet’s environment calm by closing the blinds or curtains and playing soft music
- Wrap your pet in a heavy blanket to help keep them calm
- Use extra support tools, such as CBD.
If your pet shows signs of stress during storms, it could be worth discussing plant-based therapies with your vet to help relax your pet. Giving a CBD chew to your dog, for example, when you know a storm is on the way may help your dog feel calmer when the storm hits. It may also train your dog to associate good feelings with storms, which may counteract their thunder fear in future.
Interested in learning more about plant-based therapies for pets? Speak with a vet for free.