Yes, many dogs are scared of thunder, showing symptoms like hiding, panting, pacing, whining, or destructive behavior, due to sensitivity to loud noises, changes in barometric pressure, or static electricity, not just the sound itself. This fear, known as storm phobia, is common, can worsen with age, and requires management through creating safe spaces and potentially vet-prescribed help, as punishing or excessively cuddling can exacerbate the issue.
Thunderstorm anxiety can leave some dogs overwhelmed with fear. Dogs who hate loud, high pitched or sudden noises can often struggle with thunderstorms.
Your presence can go a long way in calming your pet. If they like to snuggle or be petted, stick close and offer comfort. You might also consider a snug-fitting anxiety wrap or “thunder vest,” which can have a soothing effect on some pets.
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.
The air pressure changes too, and a dog's ears are more sensitive to pressure changes than most people. In some cases, it might even hurt.
Seek shelter immediately. Even if you can't see the lightning, just hearing the thunder is a good backup rule. 30 Minutes: After hearing the last rumble of thunder, wait 30 minutes before leaving shelter. There is still danger after a storm is over, so stay in a safe area until you are sure the threat has passed.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, representing 3 days (overwhelmed/hiding), 3 weeks (settling in/testing boundaries), and 3 months (feeling at home/bonding) to help owners manage expectations and provide patience, routine, and a calm environment, understanding that anxiety is normal as they decompress from a stressful past. It's a framework for recognizing stress and fostering trust, not a rigid timeline, but it helps owners understand why a new dog might seem timid or act out initially.
Multiple reports have surfaced of puppies and older dogs suffering heart attacks during events associated with loud noises, such as fireworks displays and thunderstorms.
"Start Low, Go Slow" As with all sound desensitization practice, you want to start with the sound of thunder and lightning at a very low volume. As your puppy gets used to the sound, you can slowly raise the volume over time.
Close curtains and blinds, flip on the lights, and turn on a radio, TV, or white noise machine to drown out what's happening outside. Loud fans can work, too. If your furry friend has found a safe place to hide and relax, let them hide.
Thunderstorm Phobia in Dogs. 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.
"With dogs, however, this is exactly the wrong thing to do," Coren says in Psychology Today. "Petting a dog when he's acting in a fearful manner actually serves as a reward for the behavior; it's almost as if we're telling the dog that being afraid in this situation is the right thing to do."
Pets may display mild signs of storm anxiety like pacing, trembling, hiding or panting. It may progress to more severe signs like vocalizing, drooling, loss of bladder or bowel control, chewing or other destructive behavior.
Changes in barometric pressure can affect dogs' behavior significantly, according to the American Animal Hospital Association. Yours might become agitated — if he's afraid of wind or storms — or he might become overexcited and curious, ready to pick up scents in the air and go exploring.
In short, the study concluded that ThunderShirts do work, but only if you tighten them properly; dogs didn't see the same benefits when wearing the wrap loosely.
Tips for Calming Your Dog Naturally
Benzodiazepines. For panic that many dogs experience during storms, a fast-acting benzodiazepine (ie, alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam, clonazepam) can be given 30 to 60 minutes before the storm starts.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, representing 3 days (overwhelmed/hiding), 3 weeks (settling in/testing boundaries), and 3 months (feeling at home/bonding) to help owners manage expectations and provide patience, routine, and a calm environment, understanding that anxiety is normal as they decompress from a stressful past. It's a framework for recognizing stress and fostering trust, not a rigid timeline, but it helps owners understand why a new dog might seem timid or act out initially.
Causes of Death
Signs of anxiety can include:
The most commonly surrendered dog type is the "pit bull type" (including mixes), often due to negative stereotypes, breed-specific legislation, and high energy levels, followed by other popular breeds like German Shepherds, Huskies, and Labrador Retrievers that may not fit owner lifestyles. Breeds like Staffordshire Bull Terriers (especially mixes) also top surrender lists in some regions like Australia.
Some common concerns reported by guardians of aging dogs are increased sensitivity and irritability, increased fear of unfamiliar pets and people (sometimes accompanied by aggression), decreased tolerance of touch and restraint, increased following and desire for contact, and increased anxiety when left alone.
Keep introductions short by following the “three second rule”; count to three as the dogs sniff each other, say thanks or nice to meet you to the owner, and then excitedly call your dog away and continue your walk.
Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches. Do not lie on concrete floors, and do not lean against concrete walls. Well, Mama was right in most of her safety instructions. I don't wash dishes, take showers, or use the toilet during a thunderstorm.