--- title: "How to Help Your Dog Cope with Stress During Explosions and Alerts" description: "Dog trainer Valeriy Mashchenko explained how to help a dog deal with stress and panic during explosions. Key rules: ensure safety, avoid force, and consult a vet for prolonged fear." date: 2026-10-25T11:33:34.598Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/how-to-help-dog-during-explosions-stress tags: [dogs, pets, stress, safety, veterinary] author: "Roman V." publisher: "XAB.info" --- # How to Help Your Dog Cope with Stress During Explosions and Alerts ![Woman comforting a frightened dog in its bed at home during a stressful situation](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/25/kak-pomoch-sobake-vo-vremya-vzryvov-i-trevogi/kak-pomoch-sobake-vo-vremya-vzryvov-i-trevogi-1.webp) ## Key Points - Dogs experience severe stress during explosions, hiding or trying to run away - Frightened animals should never be forced to play or obey commands by force - Pre-arranged shelters and closed windows help reduce the level of anxiety - Prolonged panic and severe trembling require immediate veterinary consultation During air raids and explosions, pets often experience acute stress, shaking violently, hiding, or trying to escape. In such moments, the animal needs comfort, support, and a sense of safety from the owner rather than coercion or punishment. Canine expert Valeriy Mashchenko explained how to properly calm a frightened dog and minimize the impact of loud noises on its mental health. ### Animal Reactions to Loud Noises and First Steps for the Owner According to the specialist, sudden explosions can cause dogs to show completely different behavioral reactions: some hide in secluded corners, while others become extremely restless or panic-stricken. The first thing an owner should do is stay close and project calmness so the pet feels protected. One should speak to the animal calmly if it responds to the voice or try to redirect its attention to a treat and a favorite toy. However, dog trainers warn that owners must act flexibly and adapt to the specific dog's condition. If the level of fear is too high, it is strictly forbidden to force the animal to play, eat, or obey commands. In such situations, the pet needs silence, minimal external stimuli, and the opportunity to independently choose a safe hiding spot. ### Setting Up a Shelter and Home Safety Rules Frightened dogs often try to hide under beds, in bathrooms, or in other enclosed areas. If the chosen spot does not threaten the animal's safety, dragging it out by force must be avoided, as this will only increase panic. Preparing a special cozy corner in advance with a dog bed, a soft blanket, and familiar items will help the pet adapt to the frightening environment much faster. Similar recommendations are provided by international experts, including specialists from the British Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA). They advise tightly drawing curtains and closing windows to reduce the impact of noise and bright flashes, as well as turning on background television or soft music. If moving to an official shelter during an alert is necessary, the dog must be kept on a secure leash or carried in a sturdy pet carrier. ### When Veterinary Help is Needed and Stress Prevention If the panic becomes prolonged, the dog cannot calm down for a long time, has a hysterical episode, or self-harms, standard calming methods will not be enough. In such cases, professional consultation with a veterinarian is required, who may prescribe medical support or develop an individual behavioral correction plan. The use of any sedatives without a prior examination by a specialist is strictly ruled out. In periods between alerts, owners are advised to gradually accustom the dog to its resting area, maintain a routine daily schedule, and encourage balanced behavior. At the same time, experts strongly warn against attempts to artificially desensitize the animal to loud noises by intentionally playing them, as this traumatizes the psyche and reinforces phobias. ### The Importance of Owner Behavior for Pet Mental Health The owner's ability to remain composed during emergency situations is the primary factor in a dog's psychological stability. Understanding the animal's needs, avoiding yelling, roughness, and physical restraint helps maintain trust between human and pet. Long-term care for the four-legged friend's comfort builds its resilience to external stimuli and helps it successfully get through a difficult period. ## Fact-Check & Sources - [Собака дрожит и прячется во время взрывов: кинолог объяснил, как ей помочь](https://styler.rbc.ua/ukr/useful/sobaka-tremtit-i-hovaetsya-pid-chas-vibuhiv-1792920641.html) - Primary source article on Styler (RBC-Ukraine) featuring recommendations from canine expert Valeriy Mashchenko. ## FAQ ### What should I do if my dog hides during explosions? Do not pull the animal out of its shelter by force if it is safe. Let the dog calm down and come out on its own. ### Can I give my dog sedatives on my own? No, any medication should only be given after prior consultation with a veterinarian. ### How to reduce pet stress at home? Close windows and curtains, turn on soft music or TV, and pre-arrange a calm corner with a comfortable bed.