How to Protect Walls from Dog During Storm
Stormy weather can be a real challenge if you have a dog that gets anxious. The loud noises, flashes of lightning, and heavy rain can make even the calmest dogs panic. Unfortunately, when a dog is stressed, it often leads to destructive behaviors like scratching walls, chewing on corners, or clawing at doors. This not only affects your dog’s well-being but also causes damage to your home. So, how do you protect your walls from your dog during a storm while keeping them comfortable?
This article offers practical advice, strategies, and products to manage both your dog’s anxiety and the safety of your walls.
Why Do Dogs Get Anxious During Storms?
Understanding the source of your dog’s behavior is crucial. Dogs have keen senses that pick up on changes in barometric pressure, static electricity, and even the scent of rain before a storm hits. The loud booms of thunder and bright flashes of lightning can easily overwhelm them. If your dog starts pacing, trembling, hiding, or-worse-scratching at walls during a storm, they are likely experiencing storm anxiety.
A neighbor of mine had a dog named Lucy. She would begin to panic even before the storm arrived, digging and scratching at the baseboards as if she were trying to burrow her way out of the house. Her behavior was more than just a nuisance-it was a clear sign of distress.
How to Protect Walls from Dog During Storm: Step-by-Step Guide
Below is a comprehensive guide to safeguarding your walls while easing your dog’s storm anxiety.
1. Designate a Safe Space for Your Dog
The first line of defense is creating a safe, comfortable space where your dog feels secure. Dogs naturally look for dens or enclosed areas when they’re scared, so a cozy crate or a small room can work wonders. Set up this space in a location away from windows and outside noise.
If your dog is crate-trained, adding extra padding, a favorite blanket, or an old piece of your clothing your scent can be soothing can make the space even more comforting. Crates designed for anxious dogs are often reinforced and well-ventilated, preventing your dog from damaging walls if they attempt to scratch or dig.
Extra Detail: If your dog isn’t fond of crates, consider converting a closet or bathroom into a safe zone. Just ensure the area is free of sharp objects or items that could be knocked over.
2. Invest in Wall Protection Products
There are various wall protection solutions available that can help prevent scratches and damage. Clear wall shields, available in different sizes, can be installed in areas where your dog tends to scratch. These shields are easy to clean, blend in with your decor, and save you from costly repairs.
For high-impact areas like the lower half of walls or around door frames, consider installing decorative wainscoting. This not only adds a stylish touch to your home but also acts as a protective layer against scratches and scuffs.
Extra Detail: For those who want a temporary solution, adhesive wall protectors or removable vinyl wall decals can also be used. These are easily replaced if they get damaged, offering a flexible alternative for renters.
3. Keep Your Dog’s Nails Trimmed and Filed
It’s amazing how much damage a dog’s nails can do. Regular nail trimming is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce the impact of your dog’s scratching. Long nails can gouge deep marks into your walls, especially if your dog tends to paw at the surfaces.
If you’re not confident doing this yourself, groomers or veterinarians offer trimming services. For dogs sensitive to clippers, using a nail grinder offers a smoother, less stressful option that leaves nails rounded and less likely to cause damage.
4. Use High-Value Distractions Like Toys and Treats
A well-timed distraction can keep your dog’s mind off the storm and away from damaging behaviors. Offering a favorite chew toy, puzzle toy, or treat-dispensing toy can help your dog stay occupied. Puzzle toys, in particular, engage your dog’s brain and take their focus away from the storm.
One dog owner I know swears by using a LickiMat smeared with peanut butter. During storms, she places it in her dog’s safe space, and it works like a charm to keep him busy until the weather clears.
Extra Detail: Rotate the types of toys you use so your dog doesn’t lose interest. Interactive toys that offer a reward, like kibble or treats, can be particularly effective in holding your dog’s attention.
5. Explore Calming Products for Severe Anxiety
If your dog’s anxiety is intense, calming products like pheromone diffusers, anxiety wraps, or natural supplements can provide relief. The ThunderShirt, for example, applies gentle, constant pressure, which has been shown to calm anxious dogs during storms or fireworks. Calming pheromone sprays or diffusers mimic the soothing chemicals a mother dog releases to calm her puppies, creating a reassuring environment.
6. Apply Anti-Scratch Sprays and Surface Deterrents
Anti-scratch sprays are designed to make surfaces less appealing to your dog. They often have a bitter taste or strong scent that deters dogs from chewing or scratching. Apply these sprays to common trouble spots like the edges of walls, door frames, and furniture. Just be sure to test the product in a small area first to avoid any potential damage to paint or finishes.
7. Use Sound Therapy and White Noise Machines
Reducing the impact of storm sounds is key to keeping your dog calm. Play calming music, use a white noise machine, or even turn on a fan to create background noise. Special playlists designed for anxious pets are available on music streaming platforms, featuring classical music or soothing nature sounds.
Max’s family found that pairing soft music with closing the curtains created a more serene environment, making it easier for him to ride out the storm without stress.
Repairing Walls and Preventing Future Damage
If you’re dealing with existing damage, here’s how to repair it:
- Minor Scratches and Dents: For light scratches, use a spackling paste or wood filler, then sand the area smooth before repainting.
- Heavy Damage and Chewed Areas: For deeper gouges or chewed corners, applying a strong filler followed by sanding and priming may be necessary before repainting. In some cases, you may need to replace trim or corner sections.
- Protective Paint and Finishes: Consider repainting high-risk areas with durable, washable paint that can withstand scrubbing. Look for paints labeled as scuff-resistant or “high-traffic” for better protection.
Final Thoughts
Managing storm anxiety in your dog doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your home’s appearance. With a few proactive steps, you can protect your walls while also helping your dog feel safe and comfortable during rough weather. From setting up a cozy safe space to investing in wall guards and calming products, you have plenty of options to consider.
Remember, the goal is to address your dog’s underlying anxiety while taking practical measures to safeguard your home. Being prepared for storm season can save both your walls and your dog from unnecessary stress.
