It's Hurricane Season

Once again it's hurricane season. That's just part of summer for the Gulf Coast. But even a quick thunderstorm can frighten some dogs.

As always, I will be keeping a close watch on weather forecasts and will not hesitate to evacuate my family and pets if a hurricane threatens. I believe in being prepared and keep my list from year to year of things to do and to take. That way I avoid the worry and panic of forgetting something. Another part of summer is thunderstorms which I, for the most part, enjoy. But one of my dogs gets stressed over thunder and heavy rain. The best way to deal with storm phobias in dogs is desensitization. In other words, teach them to associate storms with something good. Since this dog is not very food oriented, when I hear the first distant rumbles, I start giving her a massage, and sometimes turn on music to drown out storm sounds. Depending on how long the storm lasts, my fingers can get pretty tired. But it helps her considerably.