Helping Pets Cope with Monsoon Storm Anxiety
Here in Mesa, summer means monsoon. All the thunderous rain could make anyone anxious—our pets most of all. If you need help for calming pets during thunderstorms, your Mesa, AZ veterinary team at Curem Veterinary Care is here to help.
How to Deal with Monsoon Season Pet Anxiety
From loud thunder and the flashing strobes of lightning to the sudden pressure changes and unusual smells, monsoon season can trigger deep fear responses in pets.
When we think about storms from their point of view, it makes sense: pets recoil from the noise and the changes in the environment, yet they have no way to escape it. They can’t predict when the next crash of thunder or flash of lightning will disrupt the desert landscape. Most of all, they can’t understand that they’re not in danger.
If your pet struggles with monsoon anxiety, here are a few of our best strategies to help:
- Create a safe, quiet retreat in your home where your pet can go to feel safe during the storm.
- Mask the sounds of thunder and rain with a white noise machine, music, or friendly chatter from a TV.
- Stay calm during the storm so you can calm your pets during the thunder—they can pick up on your nerves, so the calmer you stay, the better.
- Work with your vet on long-term storm anxiety relief for your dog by desensitizing your pup to the sounds of thunder.
If these methods aren’t working, it might be time for the next step.
Veterinary Help for Storm Anxiety in Dogs
For storm anxiety that’s severe and results in extreme behaviors—like running away, destroying parts of the house, or injuring themselves—veterinary intervention is key.
Some pets may need behavioral or medical interventions in order to cope with thunderstorms, and the empathetic team at Curem Veterinary Care is here to help. We welcome both pups and kitties—and we have an entire cats-only exam room to give our kitties the most peaceful visit possible.
Call us at (480) 787-0544 to schedule a visit to address your furry family member’s persistent monsoon anxiety today.