How thunderstorms can impact your dog's behavior and health

Well, we've certainly had some hot weather this summer and of course that heat can be pretty dangerous for your dog. 22 News Storm Team Meteorologist Adam Stanco is working for you with how weather can have an impact on our furry friends. >> In addition to the heat, there are also other kinds of weather that can affect your dog's behavior. This time of year, the weather can sometimes be perfect for taking your dog outside for a walk. But the weather can also influence your dog's mood and behavior. Hot weather can really affect some dogs. One of the reasons Stacy Stab moved here from Florida was because her dogs didn't like the heat. >> I couldn't take my dogs out most parts of the day from like May to November because they just wouldn't go. They would stop, look at me like, "What are we doing?" pant heavily. >> When the weather is hot, some dogs won't eat as much and will become less active. So, if they like to go into the water, that can help cool them off. Some dogs can even sense when the weather is about to change. >> My last dog heard the thunder before I would ever hear it. He'd get nervous way ahead of thunderstorms. She can sense, I would say, a good 45 minutes to an hour before a storm comes in. I'm not as familiar yet with here because it's a different weather pattern than Florida. >> According to a study from Penn State University, some dogs experience a rapid increase in the stress hormone cortisol during thunderstorms. Dogs also tend to be more perceptive to changes in the weather than we are and can feel changes in the static electric field when thunderstorms approach. Putting your dog in a safe place like a kennel, closet, or under the bed covers can help to calm them down during a thunderstorm. working for you. I'm 22 News Storm Team meteorologist Adam Strumco.