Dog Walking Safeguards During Thunderstorms: Expert Insights on Ensuring Canine Safety
Chilling out with your furry buddy while strolling? An absolute joy, right? But let's face it, you both might not be in the mood for a walk during a thunderstorm! While exercise is crucial for our pets, trekking through the rain with lightning flashing and thunder booming may not be the best idea for you and your pooch.
But don't worry, canine behaviorist extraordinaire, Dr. Emma Scales-Theoland, who's a partner at dog-loving rental agents, Canine Cottages, has some top-notch insights to share. Her tips are gold, honey!
"The call of the wild might not be so enticing when there's a heavy thunderstorm brewing," says Dr. Scales-Theobald. "The strength and conditions of the storm, along with your own comfort levels and those of your pooch, should guide your decision."
When it's a full-blown storm with thunder, lightning, and howling winds, it's better to let your fur baby take care of business in the backyard instead of going on a walk, she suggests.
But if the storm is more of a drizzle, she recommends shortening the walk to just let Fido take care of the essentials. Pop a raincoat on your pup and stick to busier, more sheltered areas.
"Detecting fear in your dog? Bring yummy treats along, and stroll at your dog's pace," she adds. "Keep an eye out for any fallen branches, trash, or debris that might harm your dog's paws."
So, what to do when you're stuck inside during a storm? Here's the dealio:
- Quiet Time: Create a serene playlist with nature sounds or white noises or have something calming on the TV to distract your pooch. Close the drapes to keep out the storm's flashes and booms, which might stress out your buddy.
- Engage: Keep your pet engaged with indoor games, like fetch, or puzzle feeders. If your dog's anxiety goes through the roof, consider calming aids like diffusers or sprays, or consult with your vet about prescription medications to help calm your pooch.
Remember, cold weather often accompanies storms, so check out this guide on how to keep your dog warm outside. And here's how to protect your dog’s paws in crappy weather conditions.
Stay safe, pet parents! Enjoy your cuddle-and-fiddle time with your precious pooch during stormy days! 🐾🌩️
- "During a thunderstorm, it's best to let your fur baby take care of business in the backyard instead of going on a walk as suggested by Dr. Emma Scales-Theoland."
- "If the storm is more of a drizzle, Dr. Scales-Theobald recommends shortening the walk to just let Fido take care of the essentials and to stick to busier, more sheltered areas."
- "Detecting fear in your dog? Bring yummy treats along, and stroll at your dog's pace, a suggestion from Dr. Scales-Theobald."
- "When stuck inside during a storm, create a serene playlist with nature sounds or white noises to help distract your pooch as one possible approach, according to Dr. Scales-Theobald."
- "In crappy weather conditions, remember to protect your dog’s paws as suggested in the guide on how to keep your dog warm outside and how to protect your dog’s paws."
