My dog knows when a thunderstorm is coming long before I do. Most commonly he hides behind the toilet (yes, he actually thinks his 70 lb body fits back there). We’re working on the issue.
But, the question remains, why are dogs afraid of thunder in the first place?
Well, due to dog’s keen senses they may experience a variety of things during a thunderstorm that go virtually undetected by us humans.
Discomfort may arise due to the barometric pressure changes, static electricity, high winds, and low-frequency rumbles.
Dog’s keen hearing allows them to hear things both above and below our auditory range; let’s face it, thunder is loud to the average human ear, so one can only imagine how loud it must be to a dog’s ears!
In addition, certain breeds appear to be genetically prone to thunderstorm phobia, possibly due to a genetic predisposition within their breed.
Reactions From a Dog with Thunderstorm Phobia
Some dogs may hide under a bed, refuse to eat, or appear to mope and become disengaged from all normal activities. Even though these things are more on the mild side, it doesn’t mean your pet isn’t suffering. So you should still work with him to reduce his stress.
Other dogs become so panicked by thunderstorms that they become destructive, chewing on doors, furniture, walls, or whatever else may be in their line of sight. They have also been known to wedge themselves into tiny places, sometimes getting stuck, in an attempt to hide.
A more serious reaction may include a flight response which is when a dog may feel the need to run from something they fear, or feel will bring harm to them. In this case dogs have been known to do some pretty crazy things such as jumping fences, or crashing through windows and running from their homes. As you can imagine, this can be pretty dangerous as they can injure themselves during escape attempts, get lost or worse yet, hit by a car in traffic.
The severity of fear in a dog with thunderstorm phobia can range from mild to severe, and as such each dog may require a unique type of intervention in which to help them cope.
What Can I Do To Ease My Dogs Fear?
Doing nothing can worsen the problem over time since fears can progressively get worse if left untreated. Experts will admit that a dog’s fear of thunderstorms can be quite difficult to reverse (but not always impossible!). The key for treatment is to create an association between storms and something “good”. Here are several things that will help:
- When a storm approaches, try to engage your dog in playtime. Remember, you are trying to associate storms with something good, so this can be a positive stimulus. You can also try to distract your dog from the storm by offering a special chew toy; make it something that you know would be considered extra special to your dog.
- Another way you can associate thunder with “good” things is to offer a treat (again, something extra special) after each clap of thunder. In addition, you can calm him by petting him gently, just don’t over-do it as many specialists believe going overboard with cuddling may lead a dog to think the behavior is warranted, and what is expected.
- Mask the sound of the outdoors by turning on music, or the TV.
- Allow your dog to retreat into a place where he feels secure. An interior room where lightning cannot be seen through a window, and thunder will not seem as loud, are good places. Or, your dog’s crate (if he has one), but do NOT lock him in it! He’ll soon start to associate storms with the negativity of being locked up and his fears can worsen.
- Purchase a commercially sold “shirt” or “cape” sold specifically for the purpose of applying firm pressure to a dog and resulting in relief of stress during thunderstorms. (I must admit, I thought this sounded a bit hokey when I first heard about it, but there have been actual “real” studies done on this showing it works.)
- If your dog’s fear is on the extreme side to where he is panicked, panting, trying to escape, and becoming destructive, he may need medication. There is a new drug called Sileo which was formulated specifically for the purpose of calming, but not sedating, dogs with noise aversions. It is FDA approved, reportedly works quite well in the majority of dogs, and may certainly be worth asking your vet about.
- Consider the help of a board certified animal behaviorist, or a dog trainer that specializes in helping dogs conquer fears.
- Some dog owners have found success with a desensitization and counter-conditioning process. This is a process in which you gradually expose your dog to his fear (at a much lower level), and present him with something positive at the same time (such as treats). For example, you would simulate the sounds of a storm, via a recording, on a very low volume (that increases in time), and then present your dog with treats to reinforce, and counteract against his fear. The idea is to get your dog excited about hearing storm sounds and get him associating it with “good” things.
Things To Remember
- Avoid fear while trying to eliminate fear! Your dog’s fear is “real”, and yelling at him or punishing him in any way will only make it worse.
- The sooner you help your dog through his fears the better, since fears within dogs have a tendency to progressively get worse if not dealt with.
- Desensitizing your dog of his fear can be difficult even for a highly trained professional. If you find that you’re not having any success in alleviating the behavior, seek out help.
***FUN FACT: Did you know that lightning strikes the earth approximately 8 million times per day? (Don’t tell your dog!)
I know a dog who’s afraid of loud noises like thunderstorms and fireworks, and I was always curious if it was just sound that makes dogs scared, or something else. Thanks for breaking it down for me!
My dog isn’t afraid of storms, but she hates other loud persistent noises like smoke alarms. In our old apartment building, we had regular tests of the fire alarm system and she hated them. Do you think some of your tips for helping dogs with their fear of thunder would work on things like fire alarm drills too?
Hi Samantha, Thanks for your comment. I’m with your dog, I hate those loud smoke alarms! But, yes, absolutely I do believe that the tips on this page are relevant to helping with other loud noises as well.
I could tell you are a dog lover to be able to relate to the animal. it take time to learn that..I really like your approach to understand it and most of all your recommendations gave light to ideas how to behave with a dog during storm time crisis I think it make sense to let the dog be himself
Alan, Thank you for your generous comment. It’s interesting getting into the brain of a dog and understanding their fears and how we can help out!
You know I have always wondered why a dog would be afraid of thunderstorms, especially the ones that are suppose to be guard dogs. I noticed that most of the options of trying to get them to no longer be afraid of the storms is pretty much the same thing you do for children to get over a fear. Have you ever noticed that most of what you do for your children, you do for your pet? I guess that is why people consider their pets their children.
Yes, it is funny to think that even the biggest, most ferocious guard dog could be afraid of thunderstorms. That’s why they have us to help them get through it. 🙂
Great insight. I have outside dogs and they hate the thunder and lay against the front door. We have huge covered porches and I do open the door and pet them. I always thought it was a natural fear because of hearing guns when they were younger or something. I love your fun fact 🙂
Hi Tammy,
Glad you enjoyed…..thanks for your comment!
My poor 10 year old lab x kelpie hates thunder, fireworks and loud noises. I try to ignore her, mildly comfort her and let her hide somewhere safe. Do you think the thunder coat would work? My poor baby puffs and pants before and after a thunderstorm arrives.
I definitely think it is worth a try. It won’t be a miracle cure (what is?), but it should help in providing a sense of security and, therefore, help your dog to feel more calm. You can also try wrapping your dog yourself (with a scarf). If you search something like “how to wrap your dog for anxiety” you should be able to find instructions on the proper way to do that. And, it will be a lot cheaper! Best of luck.
My dog also hates the sound of rain on the roof. She hides away and literally quakes with fear. Never had a problem when out walking in the rain; just seems to be the noise indoors.
Hi Ron,
My dog hides from the sound of the wind when we are indoors. Similar to your dog though he is fine with the sound of the wind when we are outside. Cranking up the TV, or moving to a part of the house where it’s not as noisy seems to help.
Hello,
Great tips for doggy owners during thunder storms, I can imagine the sound of thunder to be very loud to our canine companions. You provided some very good tips for easing your dog’s anxiety during thunder storms.
My parents has a yellow lab who just shakes like crazy when a thunder storm is on it’s way, she has been very sensitive to thunder storms.
On the other hand, I have a very odd dog of my own. Thunder storms puts my dog into hibernation mode, I was wondering is there something wrong with my dog’s hearing or do some dogs just not care if about the loud thunder from storms?
My current dog is very fearful of thunder while all of the other dogs I’ve had throughout my life weren’t bothered by it in the least. I imagine your dog’s hearing is just fine, it’s just that dogs can be as unique in their fears as they are in their personalities. Consider yourself lucky that your dog isn’t afraid! 🙂
My dog has fear of thunder and since I live near the South side of Fort Hood tank gunnery. All I have been able to do is hold her. I tried peace bites, an herbal that the vet had but she seems a bit stoned on them and doesn’t seem to like the taste. I will not the vet up again. Thanks