In all our efforts to prepare our homes for spring — clearing the gutters, inspecting the roof and trimming the trees — it's easy to overlook the fact that our pets can use a little preparation, too.
We're not talking about baths, we're talking about dealing with spring storms.
While many of us find early season storms exciting, it can be difficult for many of our furry friends to weather storms without stress.
Here are some tactics to consider:
Create a safe place
You can't control the forecast, but you can control the environment inside your home.
Draw your curtains and act calm when rain starts lashing the windows. If sound frightens your pet, consider windows or window treatments that help prevent noise. Severe weather is also less likely to damage thicker windows.
Inside the home, play calming sounds or music to relax your pet, but don't turn up the volume too loud, as this can raise the anxiety in the room.
Keep your dog from becoming destructive by placing it in a comfortable crate. It's also possible to convert any space you have — whether it's under your stairs or in your mudroom — into a safe place for your animal during a storm. Fill these areas with comfort items like bedding, blankets and toys.
