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.
I don't blame him for being afraid! Some dog breeds, like border collies and Australian shepherds, are more likely to have a storm phobia, which indicates there may be a genetic predisposition that can cause an anxious dog at the first sound of thunder.
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.
The ideal way to treat fireworks and thunderstorm phobias is to train your dog using behavior modification techniques such as systematic desensitization and counter-conditioning.
Are Some Dogs More Susceptible to Being Scared of Thunder? Although this fear is most apparent in dogs who are 1 to 5 years old, Sinn says it can also be seen in pups as young as 9 weeks of age.
Talk with a soothing voice. It's okay to cuddle your dog if that's what they want – but if they take themselves to their den or even under your bed, that's fine too - let them go where they feel comfortable.
Provide your dog with a safe indoor place during storms.
It can be his crate, a bathroom or closet — anyplace as long as he feels comfortable there.
Thunderstorm phobia in dogs is real, not uncommon, and shouldn't be ignored, experts say. "Most of the time they don't grow out of it on their own, and many will get worse with time if nothing is done," says Matt Peuser, DVM, a veterinarian at Olathe Animal Hospital in Kansas.
Dogs appear most calm when listening to classical music, reggae, and soft rock. In addition to genre and rhythm, variety is key. Dogs tend to tune out music they hear all the time. The relaxing effect declines once music turns into ambient noise.
Dogs can sense the changes in air pressure or, because they have more sensitive hearing, may hear the low-frequency rumblings of thunder long before humans can.
If any extreme weather warnings are in place that day, you should skip the walk and remain indoors with your pet. As heavy rain clouds begin to form, the sky becomes darker and overall outdoor visibility worsens. To ensure your pet's safety, use a reflective lead and collar, so they remain seen at all times.
Fear of thunderstorms – formally called astraphobia – is surprisingly common in dogs; some experts estimate that up to 30 percent are affected with it to some degree or another.
The decibel range of a thunderstorm is between 100 dB to 115 dB, way beyond the safety range for canine ears. Thunder also occurs in the infrasonic range (below 20 Hz), which is inaudible to humans. During a storm, pressure will occur in a dog's ear, which is experienced as a pulsating sensation.
It's okay to comfort your dog
It's okay to comfort a fearful dog if you think the dog would like it. Not all dogs do; some dogs prefer to run and hide in some circumstances, and that's okay too. But some dogs will approach their person and seem to be seeking comfort.
It is believed dogs experience painful shocks from static buildup before, during, and after the storm. This is why you'll often find your pet in the bathtub because porcelain blocks electricity from traveling. Dogs tend to become more panicky as the thunderstorm season continues.
It may sound obvious, but when possible, stay with your pet if a bad storm is brewing. Leaving your pet alone during a thunderstorm can cause them to become even more anxious than they normally would. Having their owner home with them can be reassuring to them.
Possibly it could be the dog's ability to sense a change in air pressure, or hear thunder way before you do. Some experts have theorized that the dog actually feels mild shocks from static electricity that accompanies thunderstorms. Even genetic disposition has been suggested.
They are very sensitive to barometric pressure changes and they can “feel” the storm before they can see or hear it. Their intense ability to smell enables them to detect rain and an approaching storm, as well. Pets can also be sensitive to lightning and thunder.
Dogs can be afraid of the dark! When the lights go off and dogs start crying, there are a number of things that could be causing fear. Dogs frequently experience separation anxiety when their owners leave. Maybe your dog is not afraid of the dark, maybe he just doesn't want to be apart from you.
Planning on walking dogs in hot weather? It's generally safe in temperatures of up to 19°C (68°F) but be careful when the mercury rises above this. Even at temperatures as low as 20°C (70°F) dogs are at risk of heat stroke. Heat stroke in dogs is essentially a high temperature not caused by a fever.
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.
The key to keeping your dog calm is to show them a little thunderstorm or a few firecrackers is no big deal. When your dog begins to whimper, gently comfort them and reassure them everything is going to be alright. Try to take your pup's mind off their terror with happy distractions.
Usually, the circumstances under which your dog begins panting and shaking will tell you what you need to know. It could be a quick fix, but most of the time, panting and shaking is a sign that you need to take a trip to the vet as soon as possible.