Does Weather Affect Dog Behavior? What to Look For

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(Newswire.net — October 2, 2018) — Does weather affect dog behavior? If you own a dog but you are not aware about the effect of weather on your pet, the various factors in this write- up will be crucial to you as well as pup friend. Basically, thunder, wind, heat, and gray skies are some of the weather conditions that can cause negative effects on your pet’s mood and behavior. Just like human beings, dogs often have their own way of reacting once they are interconnected with adverse weather conditions. For instance, there are some dogs which will be depressed during cold winter periods while others may be terrified of thunder.

However, there are some dogs that will not react when exposed to any form of climatic condition. Here are some of the proven weather conditions that are likely to cause adverse effects on your dog.

Weather Conditions Likely to Affect your Dog’s Behavior 

*Thunder and Lighting 

If you dog is usually scared of thunder, his behavior will significantly change anytime such weather condition happens. Some of the behaviors you will experience from your dog include; developing signs of phobia such as whimpering, panting, hiding and barking. 
Based on fact- findings conducted recently, some dogs can encounter an intense increase of cortisol i.e. the hormones responsible for stress due to thunder experience. 

*Low-Pressure Fronts

Once barometer pressure is associated with changes due to adverse weather conditions, it can consequently affect the behavior of your dog. According to research, such changes can make your pet become agitated, particularly if your dog is afraid of storms or wind. Also, barometric pressure changes can make your dog become curious or overexcited and in some situations your pet may end up being tempted to pick up the scents in the atmosphere. 
Note that as atmospheric pressure gets lower; the manner in which odors travelling will be changing can be noticed by your dog. 

*Sensing Bad Atmospheric Conditions

Dog’s reaction to changes in weather conditions is more effectual than ours. A dog can easily feel any change occurring in static electric field, which takes place in the air, particularly when a strong storm is approaching. 
According to studies, some dogs are likely to jump in any nearby bathtub once they sense changes in air static. 

*Hot Weather

Extreme or stormy weather are not the only conditions that are likely to affect the behavior of your dog. Hot weather can also tamper with your pet’s behavior. According to studies, when the weather is very hot, there are some types of dogs that can end up eating less food; a factor that can make them become inactive. 

*Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder also known as Winter Blues is a kind of depression that comes into effect during cold winter periods, especially when the levels of daytime light are low and sunshine is scarce. Its symptoms include; depression, listlessness, fatigue as well as your dog lacking interest in different societal activities. 

Bottom Line

How does weather affect dog behavior? Ensure you take appropriate measures to prevent your dog from being associated with any pitfalls associated with bad weather conditions.