What is your dog afraid of and how can you help him?

Storm

There are several reasons why your dog is afraid of thunderstorms. The most obvious is noise. Even a person can flinch from a clap of thunder, and a dog’s hearing is several times sharper. But why then does the pet tense up even before the start of the “light music”?

The point is static electricity that accumulates in the air. Some dogs feel it through their fur, and they may experience an unpleasant tingling sensation long before a thunderstorm. And the pet can also be nervous due to changes in atmospheric pressure, which are typical for bad weather.

How to help. A cozy and safe place will help to survive the stress of a thunderstorm – and most often the dog chooses it himself. You just have to check that it is not very dusty under the bathroom or bed, and leave a treat there. And to reduce the sensitivity to thunder, you can use audio recordings – over time, the sounds of nature will become a familiar background for the dog.

Firework

Dogs are as afraid of fireworks as they are of thunderstorms. The main frightening factor is the same noise. In addition, the dog may smell an unpleasant odor or be momentarily blinded by bright flashes. It is not surprising that during the New Year holidays the number of lost pets is growing rapidly – when they hear the sounds of fireworks during a walk, they break off the leash and run wherever they look.

How to help. If you know the approximate start time of the fireworks, close all windows tightly and try to distract the pet. Treat him with a treat, take out his favorite toy, or just have a cuddling session. And if the salute caught you on the street – hold the leash tighter, but do not show anxiety.

Strangers

Dogs are social animals, but they can also be afraid of meeting new people. If fear or aggression is manifested towards individual representatives, it is too early to worry. A specific trigger can cause such a reaction in a dog – active gestures, tart perfumes, hoarse barking … Well, or just someone not to her taste.

But if the dog is afraid of all unfamiliar people or animals, it’s time to sound the alarm. In this way, heredity or traumatic experience of communication can manifest itself.

How to help. You should actively engage in the socialization of the puppy – for example, travel often and communicate with new people, play with new objects. So he will almost certainly grow up inquisitive and sociable. But it is better to deal with fears in adult dogs together with professionals. Loving owners often make the situation worse and try to protect the dog even from imaginary threats – for example, by forcibly leading them away from all oncoming animals. But they could become friends!

Veterinary Clinic

The stress of visiting the clinic consists of several stages: the road, the unusual environment and medical manipulations. Even a healthy animal is unlikely to like fixation, probing and injections. And for a sick dog, trying to cure it looks like additional torment. She is unlikely to understand that it became easier for her after a visit to the doctor, but she will remember the pain and fear.

How to help. Train your dog for regular checkups and treatments. Check the condition of the teeth on your own, clean the ears and eyes, bathe and comb the pet. Try to visit the veterinary clinic from an early age – and not only when there are complaints. And if the dog is afraid of sounds, smells and patients of the clinic, try to invite a doctor to your house.

Parting

Some dogs show longing for the owner rather as aggression: they gnaw on furniture, bark at the whole house and mark the territory. And others simply demonstrate suffering with all their appearance – and it is still not known what is easier for the owner to survive.

How to help. Practice being out of the pet’s reach, such as briefly closing the door to the room. Before you leave, take your dog for a walk or exercise to reduce his activity and anxiety levels. And when you leave, leave. Do not feel sorry and do not persuade the pet, standing on the threshold.

And come back soon! You are bored too.