03/07/2025
Nice blog from colleagues
https://www.facebook.com/share/1BMQdZRaQM/?mibextid=wwXIfr
𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐃𝐨𝐠𝐬?
Finding it a bit windy today? 🌬🌀😬🥶😄
𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲
First thing is to make sure your pets are safe. Gates can open and doors rattle/slam, trees drop branches and foliage which can be scary for dogs and can cause anxiety/stress. Keep your pets inside if you can.
𝐒𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭
Wind carries scent in all different directions and over greater distances including unusual or worrying scent. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and are much more accurate with their scent compared to us.
𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝
The most common phobia related to wind that we see are dogs who have been startled by loud noises caused by wind. Sound can also be amplified in high winds.
For example, a large object falling over or leaves swirling around. So, by association, dogs can learn that wind can predict a scary event.
𝐓𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐞
The wind can blow your dog’s coat/fur in different directions and may feel unusual for dogs who are touch sensitive.
I'm sure we've all been annoyed by winds blowing our hair around!
𝐀𝐢𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞
An increase in wind speed will result in reducing air pressure, and dogs can often sense the drop in barometric pressure that comes with changing weather (similar to how they can ‘predict’ a storm coming).
We see all sorts of unusual behaviours in dogs when it's windy! From dogs that just want to hide away to more intense reactions. Remember wind can add more candles to push your dog over the edge. 🌬🕯
For pets that need extra support we recommend a safe space inside, perhaps skip the walk today, play calming music or white noise to muffle some wind sounds and provide calming activities such as licking and chewing.
