How to Help Your Dog When They’re Afraid of Thunderstorms?

Do you have a dog that is afraid of thunderstorms? If so, you know how stressful it can be for both of you. Dogs that are afraid of thunderstorms can become agitated and restless and may even try to hide under furniture or in closets. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips on how to help your dog when they’re afraid of thunderstorms.

Understand why your dog is afraid of thunderstorms.

Have you ever wondered why your dog is afraid of thunderstorms? While you may enjoy snuggling up with your furry friend during a storm, for many dogs, the sound of thunder is a source of stress and anxiety. There are a few theories as to why this may be the case.

One possibility is that dogs are sensitive to changes in barometric pressure, which can occur before a storm. Another theory is that dogs can sense the static electricity in the air, which can be intense during a thunderstorm. And some experts believe that it might be a combination of both of these factors. It also could be because of the sound.

Dogs have sensitive hearing, so the loud claps of thunder can be scary for them. Or it could be the flashes of lightning. Dogs can see the light show, but they don’t understand what’s happening. This can be confusing and frightening for them. 

For dogs who are already afraid of loud noises, the added element of being caught outside in a storm can be especially traumatizing.

Dogs may also be frightened because they have had a bad experience during one in the past. If your dog was ever caught outside during a storm and got scared, that experience could have a lasting effect. If you think your dog falls into this category, it is important to be extra supportive during bad weather.

Create a safe space for your dog.

If your dog is afraid of thunderstorms, it is important to create a safe space for them to retreat to when the weather gets bad. This could be a room in your house that is quiet and free from any outside noise and light.

You can also use a crate or dog bed to create a cozy space for your dog to feel safe in. If you have more than one dog, it is important to ensure that each dog has their own safe space so they don’t feel crowded or threatened.

Make sure your dog has access to their safe space at all times, and try to keep them calm and relaxed when they are in it. You can do this by playing soothing music or giving them a special toy to keep them occupied. If your dog is particularly nervous, you may also want to consider using a ThunderShirt or similar product, which applies gentle pressure to help dogs feel more secure.

Play music or turn on the TV to drown out the sound of thunder.

One way to help your dog feel more relaxed during a thunderstorm is to play soothing music. This can help to block out the sound of the thunder and make the storm less scary for your dog. There are various calming music products available specifically for dogs, or you can play soft music from your own collection.

You can also try turning on the television to help drown out the sound of the thunder. They won’t be able to understand what’s going on, but the TV’s sound can help mask the noise of the storm.

Stay calm and relaxed.

Your dog looks at you with big, pleading eyes during a thunderstorm. They are shaking, and they seem to be trying to tell you something. You know that they are afraid, but you do not know how to help them. The best thing that you can do is to stay calm and relaxed.

Your dog looks to you for guidance on how to react to things. Dogs are very good at picking up on their owner’s emotions, so if you are feeling anxious or stressed, your dog will likely become more agitated as well.

So it’s important to stay calm when they’re afraid of something like thunderstorms. Dogs can sense our emotions, so if we’re freaking out, it’ll make them more nervous. Instead, try to act like everything is normal and give them some extra reassurance with petting or words of encouragement. It might take a little time, but eventually, they’ll relax and realize there’s nothing to be afraid of.

Distract your dog with toys and treats.

Another way to help your dog cope with their fear of thunderstorms is to distract them with toys and treats. This can help take their minds off the storm and make them feel more comfortable. There are a variety of puzzle toys and treat dispensers available that can keep your dog occupied, or you can give them their favorite toy to play with.

You can also use treats to help your dog relax during a thunderstorm. This could be as simple as giving them a few extra treats during the storm or training them to perform a behavior that they enjoy in exchange for a treat.

Stay with your dog until the storm has passed.

One thing you can do is stay with them until the storm has passed. Talk to them in a soothing voice. If they’re really stressed, you might want to put them in a crate or their safe space. But if they’re just a little nervous, staying with them should help them feel better.

If you have a smaller dog, you may want to put him in your lap during the storm. This will help keep him calm and reassure him that you’re there. If you have a bigger dog, you may want to sit next to him and put your hand on his back. This will also help keep him calm and let him know that you’re there.

Once the storm has passed, it is important to stay with your dog until they have calmed down completely. This will help them feel secure and let them know that you are there for them. Once they have calmed down, you can slowly reintroduce them to other activities. Start with short periods and gradually increase the length of time as they become more comfortable.

Be patient and consistent in your training.

It is important not to punish your dog for being afraid of thunderstorms. This will only make them more anxious and stressed, making their fear worse.

Instead, try to be understanding and patient with your dog. They are not trying to be difficult, and they cannot help how they feel. The process takes time and patience, but you will eventually see positive results if you are consistent in your training.

Start by gradually exposing them to thunderstorm sounds, and if they show signs of fear, immediately remove them from the situation. If they can remain calm, reward them with a treat or verbal praise. Over time, you can slowly increase the exposure to thunderstorm sounds until they are no longer afraid.

Being afraid of thunderstorms is a common fear in dogs, but you can help your dog overcome their anxiety with a little patience and training.

Consider using medication.

If your dog’s fear of thunderstorms is severe, you may consider using medication to help them cope. There are a variety of drugs that can be used to treat anxiety in dogs ¹, and your veterinarian can help you choose the best option for your dog. Medication can be used on an as-needed basis or regularly to help your dog feel more relaxed during thunderstorms.

You should also ensure that your dog is up-to-date on their vaccinations and that their environment is as safe as possible. If your dog is afraid of thunderstorms, they may try to run away when they hear the sound of the storm. This can be dangerous, so it is important to make sure that your dog is microchipped and wearing a collar with ID tags at all times.

Reward them for good behavior during a storm.

If your dog is able to stay calm during a thunderstorm, it is important to reward them for their good behavior. This will help reinforce the positive behavior and make it more likely that they will repeat it in the future. You can give your dog a treat, pet them, or give them verbal praise. By doing this, you’ll help your dog associate storms with positive experiences, which will make them much less likely to be scared in the future.

Whatever you do, make sure that you do it immediately after the storm so that your dog associates the reward with their good behavior. So next time a storm rolls in, don’t forget to give your four-legged friend a little extra love and attention.

If all else fails, consider seeking professional help from a behaviorist or trainer.

If you have tried everything and your dog is still afraid of thunderstorms, you may want to seek professional help from a behaviorist or trainer. They will be able to assess your dog’s fear and create a training plan that is specifically tailored to your dog. This may be the best option for severe cases of fear or anxiety.

Above all, remember that you are not alone in this – many dog owners go through this same experience. With a little patience and effort, you will find the best method for your dog.

Conclusion.

Thunderstorms can be scary for dogs, but there are things that we can do to help them feel better. By following these tips, you can help your dog feel more comfortable during a storm and hopefully reduce their fear. Have you ever had to deal with your dog being afraid of thunderstorms? What techniques worked best for you? Let us know in the comments below!