As summer storms roll in, many pet owners find themselves comforting a frightened furry friend. Thunder, fireworks, and other loud noises can trigger significant anxiety in dogs. At Aspen Park Vet Hospital, we believe in a holistic approach to your pet's well-being, and that includes managing their stress.

During a noisy event, create a safe haven for your dog. This could be a crate, a quiet room, or even under a sturdy table. Provide comfort items like their favorite toys or a blanket. Gentle petting and calm reassurance can also help, but avoid overly dramatic reactions, as this can inadvertently reinforce their fear. Consider playing calming music or using a white noise machine to help mask the offending sounds. For immediate relief, some dogs respond well to pressure wraps or calming pheromone diffusers.

Long-term solutions involve desensitization and counter-conditioning. Start by exposing your dog to low-level recordings of the sounds that scare them, pairing the sounds with high-value treats and positive experiences. Gradually increase the volume and duration as your dog remains relaxed. The goal is to change their association with the noise from fear to positive anticipation. Consistency and patience are key. If your dog’s anxiety is severe, please reach out to us to discuss additional holistic options like acupuncture or herbal remedies that may help support their emotional well-being. Together, we can help your dog weather any storm with a little more peace. (303) 838-3771