How Does The Wind Affect Dogs?
Discovering how wind affects dogs can make you a better dog owner. We may not think about it enough, but weather conditions impact dogs in a variety of ways.
For instance, in a previous article, we discussed how rain impacts dogs in different ways, and in another article we discussed how fog affects dogs.
When it comes to wind, wind can can trigger different reactions in dogs. On one hand, wind can be a force that excites and invigorates the dog, one the other hand, wind can be a great nuisance.
When walking your dog in windy conditions, you may therefore want to keep an eye on your dog so to determine whether the wind is a source of joy or discomfort for your beloved canine companion.
How Wind Impacts Dogs
Dogs are incredibly attuned to the world around them and this makes them sensitive to changes in weather. Weather conditions, like fog or snow, can have a significant impact on a dog's physical and emotional wellbeing.
Wind isn't just the movement of air relative to the surface of the earth, but rather a complex phenomenon that affects dogs on multiple levels.
Whether it's a light breeze or a 50 miles per hour wind, many dog owners have likely noticed changes in their dog's behavior during windy weather.
It's important to understand that wind can have different effects on different dogs, and therefore, it's important to pay attention to your dog's reactions, so you can keep him safe and comfortable.
Following are several ways wind can impact dogs.
1. Wind Evoking Playful Behaviors in Dogs
Wind can invigorate dogs and puppies as they feel it dancing through their fur and whiskers. As it sends leaves and debris skittering across the ground, dogs may feel compelled to chase them around and play.
For puppies, wind can be perceived as a mischievous element who is always up to something new and exciting.
The leaves and grass coming "alive," becoming fun toys to chase and play tug with, with the curiosity and excitement of a child trying to catch a butterfly.
Even adult dogs may cherish the wind as they bark and leap around trying to chase a kite or a birds' feathers.
2. Wind Triggering Fear in Dogs
Is your dog freaking out when it's windy? Being invisible and not understanding the concept behind it, wind can cause dogs to feel startled or frightened by it.
Branches snapping, leaves rustling, and objects being tossed around can all trigger a dog's anxiety during a windstorm.
Additionally, dogs may be scared of things flying around, such as debris, trash cans, or lawn furniture, as they may not understand what is happening.
Overall, the unpredictability and intensity of the wind can make it an unsettling experience for sensitive dogs.
Dogs scared of the sound of wind when at home can be helped by using some type of "white noise." Keeping the TV or radio on can help buffer the sounds.
It may be best to avoid walks on windy days if your dog is particularly anxious about it.
Dogs can becomes stressed from the wind
3. Wind Spreading a Lot of Scent
On windy days, many dogs get easily distracted. You're not imaging things if you sense your dog pulling more on the leash on windy days. Why is that?
There's likely a good chance that this is because the wind stirs up lots of scents that can cause dogs to become distracted.
The dog may therefore pull you in the direction of the wind in an effort to follow scents, especially if he's a dog who is highly driven to track scents.
If wind was visible to the naked eye and we could appreciate its movement, we would likely be amazed. Wind movement is markedly similar to the ebbs and flows of the ocean, constantly shifting directions.
Wind can therefore carry scents towards the dog or away from the dog causing changes in the dog's behavior.
Did you know? Under favorable wind conditions, a dog may be capable of detecting a deer several hundred of meters away.
"We are distracted by what we see of the wind: its effect on our skirts and hair, the flag’s crisp responsiveness to the vagaries of the breeze. The dog experiences the wind from within, the messages it carries and the stories it brings from faraway climes." ~Alexandra Horowitz, Being a Dog: Following the Dog Into a World of Smell
A dog who has a red eye, is squinting or pawing at the eye or showing signs of light sensitivity, should see the vet to rule out a serious eye problem.
4. Wind Sending Debris into the Dog's Eyes
Wind can be a nuisance, especially when it whips dust or debris into a dog's eyes, making them sting and water. This can cause irritation with accompanying redness and discharge.
A dog who has a red eye, is squinting or pawing at the eye or showing signs of light sensitivity, should see the vet to rule out a possible corneal ulcer.
A corneal ulcer is a scratch on the clear outer surface of the dog's eye (cornea). This can happen when dogs get something irritating in the eye, as it can happen with dust blowing in the wind or when dogs rub at their eyes.
To determine whether a dog has a corneal ulcer, the vet would have to place some dye into the dog's eye. If there is a scratch on the cornea, the dye will stick to it, revealing the scratch.
If you suspect your dog has a scratched eye, your best bet is to see the vet as a scratched eye in dogs can lead to complications and some may even be serious.
If your dog has a scratched eye, as long as the problem is addressed promptly and adequately, the prognosis is good. Corneal erosions usually heal in 1 to 3 days, while non-complicated ulcers in 4 to 7 days. In some complicated cases, eye ulcers in dogs won't heal easily, explains veterinarian Dr. Ivana Crnec.
For Further Reading
Disclaimer: this article is not meant to be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice or behavioral advice. If your dog is acting sick or aggressive please consult with a qualified professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
