{"id":5,"date":"2023-04-30T08:30:22","date_gmt":"2023-04-30T08:30:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lovimals.com\/?p=5"},"modified":"2023-12-19T10:15:13","modified_gmt":"2023-12-19T10:15:13","slug":"does-weather-affect-dog-behavior","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lovimals.com\/does-weather-affect-dog-behavior\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Your Dog\u2019s Mood is Affected by Weather Changes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Have you noticed changes in your dog’s mood shifts with the changes in the weather conditions?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just as humans are affected by heat, cold and storms, bad weather often affects dogs too. Once you understand this, you can enable your furry friend to cope up with the weather in a much better way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grey skies, lightning, thunder, hailstorms, all of these have an impact on your dog\u2019s mood and affect canine behavior too. Few dogs may get scared of the changing weather while others get depressed and another bunch may not have any reactions at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Different dogs have varying levels of sensitivity which explains why they react differently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lighting and Thunder<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A dog\u2019s behaviour is affected by storms and lightning. The impact of weather on certain dog breeds and is especially more so for a dog who is scared of thunder. Their possible reactions to thunder and lightning can be barking, hiding, panting and even whimpering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dog researchers found that the stress hormones of dogs increase every time the thunderstorms occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They also stated that 15-30% of dog owners and breeds are very scared of thunder and lightning. The level of cortisol increase was relatively 200% higher than the dogs who had no reactions to thunder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Low Pressure<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A dog\u2019s behaviour is adversely affected by changes in barometric pressure. They may start exploring, run away into corners, become overly curious or even agitated due to fear of the storms and strong winds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They may even start exploring different scents and dog sniffing the air once they start monitoring weather changes. Odours and the way it moves in the air varies with the air pressure which dogs can sense but humans cannot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sensing Adverse Weather<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As a robust storm approaches, dogs are able to understand<\/a> the changes in the static electric fields which humans cannot. Their ability to predict the onset of a storm or tornado is much higher than humans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some dogs also search for bathtubs and jump into it once they detect any changes in the air static as they look for familiar and safe places to hide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hot Weather<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hot weather is an important determinant of your dogs\u2019 behaviour. Once its hot, many dogs eat less food and become less active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of them may prefer to rest near sources of air, wind or lie down on cold stones or air-conditioned rooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dogs may even become cranky and refuse to go for a walk or play in the park in the blazing hot weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seasons<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With temperatures going up, some dogs may feel happy and playful while others may prefer to rest in cool and shadowy spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Few dog breeds have difficulty in breathing in extreme heat like Pugs, French Bulldogs, Bulldogs and Boston Terriers. They prefer staying in shady and cool areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Large and long-haired breeds like the Afghan Hound, Komondor and Alaskan Malamute are also profoundly affected by the heat. They may particularly heat intolerant dogs may not want to go outdoors in the hot weather and may prefer staying indoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Few breeds like Samoyeds, American Eskimo Dogs, and Siberian Huskies prefer colder climates to survive and grow. Other breeds which prefer cooler climates are Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees, and Newfoundlands, German Shepherd Dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some dogs like Greyhounds, toy breeds, Italian Greyhounds, hairless breeds, senior dogs, and dogs with conditions such as hypothyroidism cannot tolerate cold weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New Climate<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Give your dog a suitable time to adjust to the changing seasons. Moving to a new climate can cause erratic changes in the weather affect your dog\u2019s mood and behaviour. He may start liking the weather or downright hating it, it all happens based on the type of breed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For dogs not used to frigid and chilly temperatures, it can be very shocking and painful to adjust. They may come close to you, cuddling more than usual and seek blankets or humans to keep themselves warm and safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check out his symptoms and make sure he is not extremely lethargic or energetic. For any abnormal signs, it is advisable to contact your veterinarian immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Help Your Dog Adjust<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For all the situation when your dog’s behavior gets affected by the hot weather, take the below steps to reduce the chances of any heatstroke and make him feel safe and secure:<\/p>\n\n\n\n