Late spring usually marks the beginning of the summer severe weather season. While many people appreciate thunderstorms, dogs have a hard time coping with them. A stressed dog can become difficult to control and may leave their owner wondering what they can do to help their dog be more comfortable.

1. Prepare before the storm

Keep an eye on the weather if storms are predicted for your area. Allow your dog to use the restroom before the storm hits. This way he’ll have less of a chance of having an accident in the house. You may want to keep a stash of puppy pads in your house in case if your dog needs to use the restroom again. Don’t force him to go outside as this can cause extreme stress. Lightning can strike from as far away as ten miles, so keep that in mind should you be outside before the storm approaches. Avoid staying next to windows and doors. Try to find an interior room in your house for you and your dog to hang out in. Use a calm tone when speaking to your dog and try to find an activity that will help to keep his mind off of the storm.

2. Anxiety medication

Some people are known to give their dogs Benadryl to help with the restlessness. Consult with a vet first before giving your dog Benadryl. Your dog may be on a medication that can react violently to it, or your vet may recommend a different medication to use.

3. Have a crate

It’s recommended to have a crate on hand just in case if your dog becomes too scared of the storm.  Most dogs might feel safe inside of the crate.  You can place some of their favorite toys or even a treat inside the crate to help calm them down.

4. Have supplies available

Another recommendation, and this comes highly recommended, is to have supplies on hand.  Depending on the severity of the storm, you may be out of water for a few days, or the roads are blocked and you can’t get to the store to buy your dog food.

5. Use a ThunderShirt

One great way to comfort your dog during a storm is by using a ThunderShirt. This shirt is specifically designed to help dogs cope during storms. The shirt applies gentle pressure on your dog, which can feel like a tender embrace. One of the best things about this shirt is that it can also be used for separation anxiety, car travel, or any other situation where your dog may feel stressed. ThunderShirts can also be purchased for cats. You can purchase a ThunderShirt at a pet store or your local animal shelter.