It's not surprising then, that dogs seem to pick up on impending weather changes and thunderstorms much before we do. Dogs detect the changes in electrostatic charges of the atmosphere and barometric pressure changes as well as detecting low frequency noises.
Both dogs and cats can be afraid of storms. Sometimes, your pet will know that a storm is coming before you do! They are very sensitive to barometric pressure changes and they can “feel” the storm before they can see or hear it.
Science Behinds the Senses
Dogs use all of their senses when they feel a storm is coming. Dogs are actually able to sense barometric pressure changes. When this pressure in the air changes and charges in electricity change, it can alert the dog that changes in weather are happening.
Static electricity.
“Specialists now understand that static electricity is felt by dogs through their fur, generating an unpleasant tingling sensation,” he says. “For this reason, pets feel agitated and seek a spot they hope might isolate them from the static charges.”
Veterinarians have many theories as to why normally calm dogs act differently during active weather, but the main, collective reasons are the darkening skies combined with claps of thunder, and dogs can even sense the dropping barometric pressure.
The best thing you can do for your dog is to let them go to their safe space, and not punish them for any behavior during thunderstorms, including destruction and whining. Miller explains that dogs like going to a space like their crate or a dark closet during a thunderstorm because it's familiar and soothing.
Herding dogs, such as collies and German shepherds, and hounds, such as beagles and basset hounds, seem to be more likely to develop a storm phobia than other dogs. The phobia is also common in sporting and working breeds. The study suggests that this tendency may be explained in terms of the dogs' genetics.
Storm Fear/Phobia
Dogs diagnosed with storm phobia can react with anxiety or fear to wind, rain, thunder, lightning, and other associated stimuli, including barometric pressure changes, the “smell of rain,” static electricity, and even time of day.
Generally, one bark is to alert. Multiple barks mean he is trying to tell you something – anything from hunger to needing attention. Yipping or whining – A pup usually yips or whines when he is uncomfortable or lonely. You will probably notice yipping as you leave or when you put him in his crate.
So, dogs know a person's individual smell and when illness changes that smell, dogs can notice that, too. Even humans can observe the scent of sickness with some health problems. For example, diabetic ketoacidosis can cause fruity or acetone-smelling breath.
This is especially common during thunderstorms and fireworks; dogs see us as their protectors in these events. And the very occasional dog gets so anxious if they are separated from their pet parent that they panic—this is not a good situation for either party.
There are three likely culprits that answer the question: why are dogs afraid of thunderstorms? These possibilities include canine noise aversion, separation anxiety, and — the real shocker — static electricity.
Animals have been known to exhibit unusual behavior before a storm. This could be due to their keen sense of smell and hearing, along with sensitive instincts. Dogs may also sense the change in barometric pressure that comes with storms, causing them to bark, cuddle, or hide in an attempt to seek shelter.
First, do not ignore your dog during storms. This advice used to be given because it was believed that attention during storms would reward the fearful behavior. As above, this is simply false. Ignoring a fearful, panicky dog deprives him of whatever comfort and psychological support you can give him.
Anxiety in dogs is a very common problem that can be triggered by a variety of situations, but are dogs afraid of the dark? According to the Blue Cross, it's not common for dogs to be afraid of the dark, especially because their night vision is much sharper than ours.
Fear of thunderstorms is a common problem for many dogs. Common signs of thunderstorm fear include hiding, shaking, trembling, crying or whining, pacing, drooling, urinating/defecating, panting, or trying to escape from the house.
Dogs may also start to shake or tremble at the sound of thunder or fireworks. Your pet may start barking, howling, or whining. Pacing around the home is another sign your dog is scared of storms. Some dogs will start drooling when they are afraid.
Dogs show they are stressed or anxious in lots of ways, including panting excessively, drooling, shaking, yawning, and putting their tail between their legs. They may also pace around, whine, bark and drink more - so make sure their water bowl is filled up to the brim.
Dogs that have shorter fur may not be as susceptible to static electricity building up in their coats and therefore may not have the fear of being shocked during thunderstorm activity.
In the winter, desensitize your dog to the sounds of a storm. Play a CD of thunder recordings at low enough levels that don't frighten your dog, while giving them treats or playing a game. Gradually increase the volume over the course of several months, stopping if your dog shows any signs of anxiety.
Regardless of the dog breed they belong to, most dogs can hear sounds anywhere between 80 feet and one mile away.
Lots of dogs are scared of thunder simply because they don't know what that loud noise is. “For most dogs, fear or anxiety during thunderstorms is associated with the noise of the thunder,” Dr. Austin told The Dodo. “These dogs might have similar responses to other loud noises, such as fireworks.”