Calming Dogs Afraid of Thunderstorms

If you’ve never woken up, panicked by thunder and lightening, and immediately started looking for your dogs, then you’ve not shared your home with a dog frightened by thunderstorms. I’ve been there, many times actually, and even though it’s been five years since the last thunder girl passed, I still wake up looking for her among the light casted by a storm.

Why Are Dogs Afraid of Thunder?

We don’t know for certain, but the common denominator for thunder phobia is anxiety. Astraphobia, commonly known as thunder phobia, is an abnormal fear of lightening and thunder, and develops in both animals and humans. Some claim thunder phobia is treatable and I agree to a point.

Dog trainers relentlessly debate on precursors, meaning triggers that cause anxiety before thunderstorms. Many theorize dogs are sensitive to a drop in barometric pressure while others believe the loud boom of thunder or flashing light of lightening is the main culprit. Personally, I feel it could be all or one. All dogs are different and will react differently.

Anxiety is a wicked and complex little demon. While it can be learned, I feel some dogs and people are prone to feelings of anxiety. Some dogs are cool as cucumbers while others react to anything, but it’s the latter who usually succumb to phobias.

Just because a dog is afraid of thunderstorms, it doesn’t mean he isn’t afraid of all loud sounds. Strange, huh? At one time, I lumped sound phobic dogs into one category, but not anymore. Personally, I’ve shared my home with two dogs who were terribly afraid of thunderstorms, but completely nonreactive to fireworks. Then, I’ve encountered dogs afraid of all loud noises so be careful of labels. 🙂

Thunder-Phobic Behavior

For the most part, dogs will exhibit one, several or all of these behaviors before a storm approaches. It’s common for nervous behaviors to increase during a storm.

• Pacing
• Drooling
• Heave Panting
• Vocalizing
• Trembling
• Seeking Comfort From a Person (Waking You Up, Trying to Get Close to You)
• Hiding in the Bathroom (Sometimes in the Bathtub) or Closet

Severe Displays

• Rips crates apart, if kenneled during storms.
• Escapes. Destroying doors, jumping through windows or crawling under fences to escape a storm.
• Aggression. Some dogs panic. It’s just like a panic attack.

How to Calm Down a Dog

When tackling thunderstorm phobia, I find a combination approach is best. I would recommend trying each suggestion and then combining them for the best results. Another tip is to introduce products and supplements when thunderstorms aren’t present, or you’ll end up teaching your dog that putting on a Thundershirt means a storm is looming. 🙂

RELATED: Thundershirt for Dogs

Preparation

Usually, we focus on the preventive part instead of prevention, which is human nature. Use preventive products 30 minutes before a storm approaches or, better said, before your dog displays thunder-phobic behavior.

Thundershirt

As the name implies, this product works wonders for thunder-phobic dogs. It actually pushes against calming acupressure points just like swaddling a baby lulls a cranky baby to sleep.

Music

Oh, the power of music. I wish more pet parents incorporated it into their dog’s daily life. Not only will classical music calm a nervous dog, it will also likely drown out thunder noises. Now, when living in Texas, storms were so loud I had to blare The Doors until 4 a.m., which worked like a charm.

RELATED: Calming Music for Dogs

Turn on Lights

When lights are out, our body knows it’s time to rest. Turn on a few lights, especially if lightening is frequent and bright. This will diminish the haunted house effect of lightening. Or, better yet, turn on the TV. The constant changing light and sound will drown out all aspects of thunderstorms.

Melatonin

My first choice for thunder-phobic dogs is melatonin. It has a pleasant calming effect with minimal drowsiness. Usually, I dose 20-30 minutes before a storm approaches. If the storm misses you, no worries, your dog will get a good night sleep.

When to Seek Animal Behavior Treatment

Seek professional assistance from a veterinarian board certified in animal behavior. These experts can rule out heath issues plus have the most up-to-date information on medications for treatment, which provide minimal side effects. If your dog displays severe thunder-phobic behaviors or thunderstorms affect your dog’s quality of life, seek professional help.

Thunder phobia is treatable with a healthy dose of prevention sprinkled with a mixture of preventive products!

READ ALSO: Anxious Dog Tips