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When you’re a dog lover, it can be tough to watch your normally calm pet get stressed out during a thunderstorm. While some dogs show mild signs of stress, like licking their paws, other dogs can get so worked up during storms they may get destructive.
To better understand why some dogs hate thunderstorms, we talked to Trista Miller, a CPDT-certified trainer and AKC Canine Good Citizen and Trick Dog Evaluator. Here’s what we learned.
Is your furry friend hiding under the bed when thunder roars? You’re not alone! Up to 30% of dogs experience thunderstorm anxiety, turning your normally happy pup into a trembling, panting mess As a pet owner, it’s heartbreaking to watch, but don’t worry – I’ve got you covered with practical solutions that actually work
Living in Texas, I’ve seen my fair share of terrifying storms that send dogs into panic mode. Through years of trial and error (and many sleepless nights holding my shaking pup), I’ve compiled these effective strategies to help your dog weather the storm
Why Dogs Fear Thunderstorms
Before diving into solutions it helps to understand why thunderstorms are particularly terrifying for dogs
- Dogs can hear distant thunder long before humans do
- They may smell the moisture of approaching rain
- Some can sense static electricity generated by storms
- They can feel changes in barometric pressure
- The unpredictable nature of thunder and lightning is disorienting
Unlike other loud noises, storms combine multiple frightening elements that overwhelm your dog’s senses. No wonder they panic!
12 Effective Ways to Calm Your Dog During a Storm
1. Create a Safe Haven
Dogs instinctively seek security when frightened. Provide a dedicated “safe spot” where your pup can retreat when storms roll in:
- Under a bed or table
- In a crate with a blanket draped over it (creating a den-like environment)
- A windowless bathroom or closet
- Under blankets or covers in your bed
The key is finding a small space that blocks both sound and light while allowing your dog to be near you. Call your dog to this safe place as soon as you hear the first rumble of thunder, don’t wait until the storm is fully underway.
2. Stay Calm Yourself
Dogs are incredibly perceptive to human emotions. If you’re anxious or upset during a storm, your dog will pick up on it immediately, confirming their fear that something is wrong.
During storms, I make a conscious effort to:
- Follow my normal routine
- Speak in a calm, reassuring voice
- Smile and move normally
- Avoid excessive sympathy (which can reinforce fear)
- Sometimes softly sing to create a soothing atmosphere
Your cool demeanor signals to your dog that there’s nothing to worry about.
3. Block the Noise
One of the most effective methods I’ve found is simply drowning out the thunder:
- Turn on the television
- Play calming music (classical music works wonders)
- Run a washing machine, dishwasher, or fan for white noise
- Use a white noise machine specifically designed for anxiety relief
This background noise helps mask the unpredictable claps of thunder that startle your dog.
4. Minimize Visual Stimulation
The flashes of lightning can be just as frightening as thunder. Keep your dog away from windows or install heavy curtains to block the light. During severe storms, I:
- Close blinds and curtains throughout the house
- Keep indoor lights on to minimize the contrast of lightning flashes
- Block access to doors where delivery people might arrive (adding another stress)
5. Try Pressure Therapy
Dr. Temple Grandin, a renowned animal behavior expert, has found that deep pressure can have a calming effect on anxious animals. You can:
- Wrap your dog in a snug (but not tight) blanket
- Try a commercial anti-anxiety garment like the Thundershirt
- Let your dog huddle under your arm on the sofa
- Apply gentle, consistent pressure to your dog’s torso
These pressure wraps work similar to swaddling a baby, creating a sense of security. The Thundershirt and similar products are designed to apply gentle, constant pressure around your dog’s torso, which has a remarkable calming effect on many dogs.
6. Distract With Play and Activities
Engaging your dog’s mind can help redirect their attention away from the storm:
- Play indoor fetch in a safe area
- Practice simple commands they’ve mastered (with treats!)
- Give them a special puzzle toy filled with treats
- Try dancing together to music
The goal is to create positive associations with thunderstorms rather than fearful ones.
7. Consider Natural Calming Remedies
Some natural remedies may help take the edge off your dog’s anxiety:
- Lavender essential oil (used properly and in correct dilution)
- Calming treats containing natural ingredients
- Petting your dog with a dryer sheet to reduce static electricity
Important: Always consult your veterinarian before using any remedies, even natural ones. Essential oils must be used with extreme caution around pets, as some can be harmful.
8. Desensitize Your Dog Between Storms
This is a long-term solution that requires patience but can yield amazing results:
- Play recordings of thunderstorms at very low volume
- Start with 5-10 minute sessions
- Gradually increase volume over weeks or months
- Always pair the sounds with treats, play, or other positive experiences
Consistency is key! This technique teaches your dog that storm sounds don’t have to be scary.
9. Reward Calm Behavior
When your dog shows even momentary calm during a storm, immediately reinforce it:
- Offer high-value treats
- Give praise in a happy (but not overly excited) tone
- Provide a favorite toy
This positive reinforcement helps your dog learn that staying calm during storms leads to good things.
10. Consider Medication When Necessary
For dogs with severe thunderstorm phobia, behavioral techniques alone might not be enough. Talk to your veterinarian about:
- Anti-anxiety medications that can be taken seasonally
- Fast-acting medications for individual storms
- New medications specifically designed for noise aversion
Many veterinarians have had great success with medications that can significantly improve quality of life for both dogs and their owners during storm season.
11. Create a Storm Routine
Dogs thrive on predictability. Having a specific “storm routine” can help your dog know what to expect:
- Always go to the same safe area
- Turn on the same music or white noise
- Provide a special “storm-only” toy or treat
- Use consistent commands like “relax” or “settle”
Over time, your dog may begin to associate storms with this comforting routine rather than with fear.
12. Be Prepared in Advance
The best time to help your dog is BEFORE the storm gets intense:
- Monitor weather forecasts during storm season
- Take your dog out to potty before the storm arrives
- Set up their safe space early
- Administer any prescribed medications in advance
- Have calming tools readily available
Being proactive rather than reactive makes a huge difference in managing your dog’s anxiety.
What NOT to Do During Thunderstorms
Just as important as knowing what to do is understanding what to avoid:
- Don’t punish your dog for anxious behaviors like whining or pacing
- Don’t force your dog out of their hiding spot if they’ve found comfort there
- Don’t overreact with excessive coddling (which can reinforce fearful behavior)
- Don’t expose your dog to the storm by taking them outside unless absolutely necessary
- Don’t try untested medications without veterinary guidance
When to Seek Professional Help
If your dog’s thunderstorm anxiety is severe (destructive behavior, self-injury, extreme panic), please consult with:
- Your veterinarian
- A certified animal behaviorist
- A positive-reinforcement dog trainer with experience in anxiety issues
Severe cases often benefit from a combined approach of behavior modification, environmental management, and appropriate medication.
Final Thoughts
Every dog is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. You may need to try several approaches before finding the perfect solution for your furry friend. The most important thing is patience and consistency.
Remember that thunderstorm anxiety is a real and terrifying experience for your dog – they’re not being difficult or disobedient. With the right combination of techniques, most dogs can learn to weather storms with significantly less distress.
Has your dog struggled with thunderstorm anxiety? What techniques have worked best for you? Share your experiences in the comments below!
This article was written based on expert advice from veterinarians, animal behaviorists, and dog owners who have successfully helped their pets overcome thunderstorm anxiety. Always consult with your veterinarian before implementing new treatments for your dog’s anxiety.
Soothe Your Dog with Toys, Treats, and More
Chew and puzzle toys can also help your dog during a thunderstorm. “If your dog gets destructive, chewing and licking are self-soothing behaviors,” Miller says. “If your dog naturally tends to do those things when they’re upset, giving them positive outlets for that can be really helpful.”
She suggests buying toys that help with chewing or licking, like a lick mat. You can smear the mat with peanut butter, cream cheese, or another spreadable snack, then your dog can work to get the treat off it.
In addition, calming treats, CBD oil, KONGs filled with peanut butter or kibble, or anxiety vests can be helpful. “Any of those would be super good for dogs,” Miller says. “If they like their crate, give them those fun things in there.”
Give Them a Safe Space
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.
“Dogs descended from wolves and were in dens, and so they still like den-like environments,” she says. “So giving them that smaller space eliminates anything sneaking up on them. If they’re in an enclosed space where they are comfortable and familiar, that’s going to be more soothing to them.”
If your dog can’t hear the thunder or see the lighting, they’ll be less stressed. In addition to providing a safe space that’s dark and covered, provide background noise to reduce stimulation. Like humans, dogs feel uneasy when they unexpectedly hear a loud sound, and having background noise helps.
“You can play white noise — or classical music is especially calming to dogs,” Miller says. “Talking in a soothing manner, and, if your dog likes it, pet them in long, calming strokes.”
Calm Music for Dogs During Thunderstorms [No More Anxiety!]
FAQ
How do I keep my dog calm during a thunderstorm?
To calm a dog during a thunderstorm, provide a safe, den-like space with their favorite items, mask the storm’s noise with white noise or music, and offer distractions like treats or puzzle toys. Keep your own demeanor calm and avoid over-soliciting attention, as this can inadvertently reinforce the dog’s anxiety. If the anxiety is severe, consult your veterinarian for potential anxiety medications or consider a compression shirt like a Thundershirt.
Should I hug my dog during a thunderstorm?
recommend not petting, meaning that petting fearful dogs inadvertently reinforces the anxious behaviour. Still, in the dog training community, many professional dog trainers do recommend petting an anxious animal, and it has been argued that “petting doesn’t reinforce fear, it reduces it”.