Just weeks after Storm Goretti brought snowfall, Storm Chandra is expected to cause heavy rain and strong winds across the UK.

Met Office Chief Forecaster, Paul Gundersen, said: "Storm Chandra will bring a range of hazards to the UK through Monday night and Tuesday. Initially, strong winds will impact the Isles of Scilly, western Cornwall and southwest Wales, which are still vulnerable after Storm Goretti; gusts of 70 to 80mph are possible here.

"Heavy rain is an additional hazard as it falls on saturated ground in Dorset and southern parts of Devon, Somerset and Cornwall.

"As Chandra interacts with colder air further north, snow becomes a hazard, with 10-20cm of snow possibly accumulating over higher ground in the Pennines, southern Scotland and the Highlands. With a complex spell of weather, people must stay up to date with the forecast and any warnings in your area."

But can you still walk your dog in the storm?

According to The Blue Cross, owners should always keep dogs indoors during thunderstorms and, if storms are looming, hold off on any walks. Our four-legged friends can find storms stressful, with some pups panting excessively, drooling, shaking, whining, and barking when outside.

"Walking in high winds and rain can be stressful, especially with unpredictable conditions heading our way. We advise not walking your dog in thunderstorms, as the lightning and heavy rain is more likely to spook your pet," a spokesperson for the Kennel Store told The Yorkshire Post.

To give your dog some fresh air, the Kennel Store suggest letting your dog out in the garden if it is safe to do so. If your dog is showing signs of stress, keep calm and don't let them sense that you are worried.

"Simply let your dog out into the garden whilst supervised, and only take them out for short walks when any thunder and lightning have subsided," the team add. "If you're walking with your dog off lead and a thunderclap rolls in, they're more likely to bolt and run, so we advise not to take your dogs out on long walks in stormy conditions."

funny dog playing under raindrops in countrysidepinterest
Aleksandr Zotov//Getty Images

How can you keep your dog calm during storms?

Dogs show they are stressed or anxious in lots of ways. Some of the ways you can keep them calm and distracted include switching the TV or radio on to muffle the sound of the weather, make them a den so they can hide (such as under your bed or behind a sofa), and cuddle them if it helps them to relax.

The Blue Cross advise: "Speak to your vet if problems persist, as they may be able prescribe calming medication that might help your dog if they really struggle with storm anxiety. Sound therapy to slowly desensitise them to the noises could also be considered — ask your vet or a qualified behaviourist about this.

"It goes without saying that you should never shout at your pet. If you have to leave your house during a thunderstorm and come home to find your dog has been destructive or toileted, don't get angry with them. Reprimanding them won't help and will also make your dog more stressed."

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Lisa Joyner
Deputy Daily Editor, Country Living and House Beautiful

 Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.