Quick Answer: Move the dog to their safe room before the storm intensifies — interior room, curtains closed, white noise playing. Give a frozen lick mat when thunder begins. Sit with them calmly — your calm presence helps. Let them choose where to shelter and don't force them to face the storm. Don't over-comfort in a way that validates the fear, but do provide presence and calm.
The Safe Room Setup
- Interior room — fewest windows, least lightning flash exposure
- Curtains or blinds closed — reduces the light stimulus
- Calming donut bed — familiar retreat
- Comfort toy — physical anchor
- White noise or TV — sound masking between strikes
- Frozen lick mat — biological calming tool
Your Behavior During the Storm
Stay calm — your body language and breathing rate directly affect your dog's arousal level. Don't panic alongside them. Don't ignore them completely either. Calm presence with matter-of-fact interaction is the ideal.
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