With the wild weather and thunderstorms we have been having over the past few days, this is the unfortunate reality for many of our animals.
Our animals are more sensitive to noise and smell far more than us; in fact dogs can sense the changes in air pressure. One thing for certain is that each animals experience with thunder and lightning will differ; in fact some animals may even be quite happy just to sit back and watch the show!
For those animals that do experience anxiety during thunderstorms; the common symptoms you will come across are the below:
- Lip licking
- Restlessness
- Whale eyes (eyes are wide open)
- Panting
- Trembling
- Hiding
- Loss of bladder control
- Whining
- Cannot be left alone
Don’t let your fur friend’s anxiety escalate!
Here are some Homeopathic remedies and tips to consider:
𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗘𝗦:
𝘼𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙚 – this is my go to with Willow. This is the remedy that I use when the animals “flight or fright” instinct is “on”. Their anxiety comes on very suddenly and is very intense. They are anxious, over-sensitive to noise and startle easily. This is a great remedy for any situation where they feel “out of control”, panic stricken and are inconsolable and extremely distressed.
𝘼𝙧𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙪𝙢 – These animals cannot be left on their own. They are very insecure and highly sensitive to any change. These are the animals that are going to check out every room and wander restlessly around. They are very demanding and as such need others around them or else they become very insecure. They are very quick to go into “panic” mode and constantly need to be reassured.
𝙋𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙥𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙪𝙨 – These animals tend to react to outside influences easily. Being left alone can be devastating for these animals, they are tense, nervous and over-react to pretty much everything. They are very noise-sensitive and have lots of fears. Loud noises such as thunder and lightning often have them running from the room and quite often you will also see them tremble in fear.
𝙂𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙪𝙢 – These animals tend show signs of weakness in the form of trembling which occur through shock or fright. They appear nervous and extremely anxious; in some instances they may even lose control over their bladder through fright. This is a great remedy for anticipatory anxiety. Quite often you will see the animal brace themselves for the next crack of lightening or bang of thunder.
𝘼𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙪𝙢 𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙪𝙢 – These animals behaviour will be impulsive and unpredictable. They need a lot of reassurance and cannot bear to be alone. You may also see trembling when this remedy is needed and in some instances you may find that their digestive system is affect e.g. diarrhoea from nervousness.
These are just some of the more main remedies that can be useful in wild weather and thunderstorms.
𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗜𝗣𝗦:
- Keep them indoors and stay with them if possible
- Provide a “safe” place to hide e.g. cat igloo/box, dog crate/kennel
- Close the curtains and turn up the TV or radio to help muffle the noise
- Give them a favourite toy or treat to help distract them
- Reassure them that they are safe
Homeopathy can offer support to our animals and how bring their body back into balance. Please note that if your animal is experiencing ongoing issues then please seek professional advice from your animal homeopath or vet.
