To protect walls from dogs during storms, create a safe space for your dog, use barriers or covers, and train them to stay calm during storms.

Storms can be stressful for dogs, often causing them to scratch or chew on walls out of anxiety. This behavior can lead to damage to your home walls.

To keep your walls safe and your dog calm, it’s important to understand why they react this way and take steps to protect your space and comfort your pet during bad weather.

Common Behaviors Dogs Exhibit During Storms.

During storms, dogs often become anxious and scared due to the loud noises and flashes of lightning. Common behaviors include barking, whining, scratching, and pacing. Some dogs may even hide or escape, seeking comfort and safety.

This anxiety can lead to physical damage in the home. Dogs might scratch or chew at doors, walls, and furniture as they attempt to find a way out or feel secure. These behaviors can result in scratched paint, damaged drywall, and even broken fixtures.

Such damage affects the appearance of your home and can lead to costly repairs. It’s important to protect both your home and your pet during storms, ensuring a safe and calm environment for everyone.

Understanding Dog Behavior During Storms

Dogs often get anxious during storms because of loud noises like thunder, bright flashes of lightning, and strong winds. These sudden, unfamiliar sounds and sights can be frightening for them.

Just like people, dogs can feel uneasy when things around them change unexpectedly. The rumble of thunder or the sound of heavy rain can make them feel scared and unsure of what’s happening, leading to anxiety.

Signs of Anxiety and Stress in Dogs

When dogs are anxious or stressed, they often show it through their behavior. You might notice them scratching at doors, walls, or even themselves.

They could also start chewing on furniture, shoes, or other items around the house. My dog Bella used to chew my leather furniture until I was introduced to this brain training course for dogs.

Another common sign is pacing; your dog may walk back and forth, unable to settle down. They might also whine, bark more than usual, or seek constant attention and reassurance.

Protect Walls From Your Dog During Storm

1. Creating a Safe Space for Your Dog

To protect your walls and help your dog feel secure during a storm, create a designated safe space. This could be a cozy corner or a crate with comfortable bedding and familiar toys.

Make sure this space is away from windows and loud noises. By providing a calm, enclosed area, your dog is less likely to get anxious and damage your home.

2. Using Barriers and Covers

Consider using barriers and covers. You can place baby gates or furniture in front of walls to keep your dog from scratching or chewing them.

Another option is to use wall protectors or covers, like plastic sheets or mats, to prevent damage. These simple solutions can save your walls and reduce stress for both you and your dog.

3. Distract with Toys and Chews

I remember when Bella, my Golden Retriever, used to get nervous during storms. To help her stay calm, I would give her a variety of toys and chews. Puzzle toys were her favorite—they kept her busy and focused, helping to channel her nervous energy away from the walls.

4. Use Calming Aids

During storms, I also noticed Bella became quite anxious. I tried using calming aids, like pheromone sprays in her safe space, which helped create a soothing environment. I even bought her a comforting garment that applied gentle pressure, like a hug. Treats with chamomile and CBD also made a noticeable difference in calming her down. Of course, I consulted our vet before trying these products to make sure they were safe for her.

5. Behavioral Training

To help Bella deal with her storm anxiety, I worked with a professional trainer on behavioral techniques like desensitization and counter-conditioning. Over time, Bella became less sensitive to the sounds of storms. Having a customized training plan really helped, and I saw a big improvement in her behavior.

6. Soundproofing

I also took steps to reduce the noise level of storms inside our home. Heavy curtains and rugs helped muffle the sound, and playing calming music or white noise worked wonders for Bella. It made our home feel like a safe haven during those stormy nights.

7. Close Off Vulnerable Areas

To protect our home, I started closing off rooms where Bella had caused damage in the past. I made sure the space she stayed in was cozy, with all her favorite toys and her bed. It made a big difference in how she handled the stress.

8. Monitor Your Dog

During a storm, I always kept a close eye on Bella. If she showed signs of severe anxiety, like excessive panting or drooling, I knew it was time to intervene. In some cases, our vet suggested medication to help manage her extreme anxiety, and it provided her with much-needed relief.

9. Provide Comfort and Reassurance

Lastly, I found that my presence was the best comfort for Bella. Just sitting with her, petting her gently, and speaking softly made her feel safe. My calm demeanor reassured her that everything was okay, and that helped her get through the storm with much less stress.

Training and Calming Techniques

To protect walls during storms, train your dog to stay calm using basic commands and positive reinforcement. Different calming products or soothing music can also help reduce stress.

1. Using Calming Products

To protect your walls during storms, try using calming products for your dog. Anxiety wraps, like a snug vest, can help them feel more secure. Pheromone diffusers release calming scents that ease anxiety.

Calming treats are another option, offering a tasty way to help your dog relax. These products can make a big difference in reducing stress-related behaviors like scratching or chewing.

2. Training Your Dog to Stay Calm

Training your dog to stay calm during a storm can help protect your walls and home. I’ve been using an online course that focuses on basic commands and calming techniques for dogs. It’s easy to follow from home, with clear instructions and videos.

This course has helped my dog learn to stay relaxed even when the weather is scary. It’s a great resource for any pet owner looking to keep their home safe and their dog happy.

3. Creating a Storm Plan

Having a storm plan in place is crucial for both your safety and your dog’s well-being. Last summer, a storm hit our neighborhood, and it was a real wake-up call for me and Bella, my Golden Retriever.

I realized then that having a storm plan is more than just a precaution—it’s a necessity.

• Before the storm: I started by preparing an emergency kit for Bella. It included her favorite food, plenty of water, her medications, and a first aid kit. I knew these essentials could be lifesavers if we were stuck indoors for a while.
• Securing our home: We identified the safest areas in the house, like the basement and a closet under the stairs. I reinforced the windows and made sure Bella’s crate was in a secure spot. We also had protective measures like sandbags ready to go.
• Staying safe during the storm: As the storm approached, I kept Bella close. We hunkered down in our safe space, with her emergency kit nearby. It was comforting to know that we were as prepared as we could be.
• After the storm: Once it was safe to go outside, I checked the house for any damage. I was glad I had taken the time to secure things beforehand. Bella and I then reviewed our plan, making notes of anything we could improve for next time.

Having this storm plan in place gave me peace of mind. Now, I regularly review and update it, ensuring that Bella and I are ready for whatever comes our way.

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