Storms can upset dogs. Thunder booms. Rain pounds. Many dogs feel fear. This guide shows you how to help your dog stay calm. You will find tips for right now and for the future. These steps come from vet advice and dog care experts. Use them to ease your dog’s worry.
Why Do Dogs Fear Storms?
Dogs hear thunder from far away. Their ears pick up sounds better than ours. Storms bring low pressure in the air. This change can bother them. Flashes of lightning startle them. Wind and rain add to the noise. Some dogs link storms to bad past events. About one in three dogs shows storm fear. Herding breeds like Border Collies often react more.
If your dog shakes or hides, check our pet symptom checker to spot anxiety signs early.
Signs Your Dog Has Storm Anxiety
Watch for these clues when a storm starts:
- Panting or drooling a lot
- Shaking or trembling
- Pacing back and forth
- Hiding under furniture
- Whining or barking non-stop
- Trying to escape or chew doors
These actions mean your dog feels stress. In bad cases, they might hurt themselves. Note how your dog acts. This helps you plan ahead.
For more on why dogs shake, read our post on why is my dog shaking.
Quick Ways to Calm Your Dog During a Storm
Act fast when thunder rolls in. Here are steps to try right away.
Stay Calm Yourself
Your dog watches you. If you act worried, they feel worse. Sit quiet. Breathe steady. Pet them gently if they come to you. This shows them all is fine. Do not yell or punish. That makes fear grow.
Make a Safe Spot
Dogs like small, dark places. Set up a crate or box in a quiet room. Cover it with a blanket. Add their bed and toys. Put your old shirt inside for your smell. Close curtains to block lightning. Turn on a fan for white noise. This cuts storm sounds.
Drown Out the Noise
Thunder scares because it is loud. Play soft music. Classical tunes work best for dogs. Or use a TV show with steady sounds. A fan or air conditioner helps too. Keep volume low but steady. This masks the booms.
Distract with Fun
Give your dog something to do. Offer a chew toy. Fill a puzzle with treats. Toss a ball if they like play. Lick mats with peanut butter keep them busy. Food makes them forget the storm a bit.
Link to our pet breed finder quiz if you want tips for your dog’s breed.
Try a Pressure Wrap
A snug vest like Thundershirt gives gentle hugs. It calms like swaddling a baby. Put it on before the storm. Let your dog wear it for short times first. Many dogs relax in minutes.
For more on common issues, see common dog owner mistakes.
Long-Term Help for Storm Fear
One storm fix is good. But build habits for next time.
Exercise Before Bad Weather
Tired dogs worry less. Take a long walk in the morning. Play fetch in the yard. Check weather apps daily. This burns energy so they rest during storms.
Teach with Sound Training
Play storm sounds soft at first. Pair with treats or play. Turn up volume slow over weeks. This is desensitization. It helps them get used to thunder. Start in calm times. Go slow to avoid more fear.
Use Calming Aids
Pheromone sprays like Adaptil mimic mom dog smells. Plug in a diffuser days before storms. Calming chews with chamomile ease nerves. Give as directed on the pack.
If your dog has other health signs, use our pet age calculator to check if age plays a role.
When to Call the Vet
Most tips work for mild fear. But if your dog:
- Destroys things often
- Hurts themselves
- Loses potty control
- Stays upset for hours
See a vet. They may suggest meds like Sileo gel. It numbs fear fast. Or Trazodone for calm. Always get pro advice. Do not use human pills.
For food safety during stress, check our pet food safety checker.
Extra Tips from Dog Owners
People often ask: “Can meds help right away?” Yes, but talk to a vet first. Another question: “What if my dog runs away?” Keep doors locked. Use a microchip. For “home tricks,” try a heavy blanket over the crate. It blocks light and sound.
Related searches show folks want “natural ways.” Exercise and music top that list. Always pair with vet checks.
Your dog trusts you. With these steps, storms get easier. Start small. Track what helps your pup. If fear lasts, get vet help soon. For more dog care, try our pet compatibility checker if you have multiple pets.