Nettie had a dog called Manuka who was fine as a youngster but actually developed anxiety and fear as an older dog, aged nine. So, when a thunderstorm started rumbling in the distance Nettie would get a ball out and start playing ball with her dog.
She would sometimes employ yet another technique where she would play hunt the treats. Nettie hid dried meat treats around the house for Manuka to hunt for.
Apparently, this technique worked too well with her dog Manuka. On those occasions that thunder and lightning storms happened during ungodly hours, like 3 o’clock in the morning, Manuka would appear with a ball in her mouth with a look on her face which stated “Hey, look, a thunderstorm! Great, let’s go play ball!”
Now, we know that the above techniques aren’t for everyone and that there are other techniques that can employed like using calming supplements and sprays to help reduce anxiety in your pets. As touched upon above we have covered those other techniques/ideas in previous articles, and we would encourage you to go and have a quick read of those as well to ensure you are fully informed as to what you can do to make life in your household as prepared, and calm as possible.
The first of the articles cover a range of ideas to help create an environment in which your pet feels safe during those difficult times which can be accessed here - https://www.nurturingbynature.co.uk/article/dealing-with-dogs-and-fireworks
The second of those articles looks at some of the supplements available to help create a calming and safe environment for your pet in your home and you can access that article here - https://www.nurturingbynature.co.uk/article/dealing-with-dogs-and-fireworks-supplements
If you have any questions about anything you read in our blogs, or perhaps another concern, then please feel free to get in touch and we will get one of our specialists to get back to you and help in any way we can.
