Thunderstorms are one of the most common phobias in dogs, along with fear of loud noises in general. In fact, 40% of dogs suffer from noise anxiety.

This anxiety can take different forms ranging from excessive chewing, to compulsive licking, or even running away.

Unfortunately, anxiety over things like thunderstorms and fireworks can also lead to much more serious problems.

In recent years, there have been numerous reports of elderly dogs and even puppies dying from heart attacks caused by fireworks or thunderstorms.

Is your dog also afraid of loud noises? Do you feel helpless in the face of your dog’s thunderstorm phobia? Protect him by following these few simple steps.

WHERE DOES DOGS GET FEAR OF STORMS?

The drop in air pressure (which dogs can feel) combined with darkening skies, wind and the sound of thunder can cause fear reactions in dogs.

This anxiety can be mild or turn into a real phobia.

Each dog has its own way of experiencing and managing storms. It all depends on its character, experience, age, sensitivity but also on your efforts to educate and reassure it.

Some dogs simply have a phobia of the noise associated with thunder .

Others panic when they sense a storm coming because dogs’ noses can sense changes in the environment, including the coming of a storm.

The buildup of static electricity in their coats can also be a source of stress for dogs, as Nicholas Dodman, a veterinary behaviorist at Tufts University, explains to National Geographic .

“Large dogs and dogs with long fur are more likely to build up static electricity, just as we do when we’re wearing a sweater and get hit by a car door. A dog that’s already nervous during storms may get a shock when it touches a metal object with its nose. The fear of thunderstorms can then worsen and become a full-blown phobia,” Dodman says.

Finally, it has also been proven that there may be genetic predispositions to thunderstorm phobia. Some breeds are more likely to develop a phobia of noise, such as Border Collies and Australian Shepherds.

 

SYMPTOMS RELATED TO FEAR OF STORMS IN DOGS

There are several signs that can reveal a thunderstorm phobia in dogs, some being more obvious than others:

• Gasps
• Tremors
• Wide Eyes
• Compulsive licking
• Barking
• Chewing
• Excessive drooling
• Tail down
• Convulsions
• Destructive behavior
• Fast heart rate
• Accidents in the house
• Hides
• Fugue

Note: these symptoms may be isolated or associated.

 

HOW TO HELP A DOG WHO IS AFRAID OF STORMS?

It’s a horrible thing to feel helpless when faced with your dog’s phobias. Especially since there’s no way we can have any impact on thunderstorms.

But while storms can wreak havoc on dogs, there are several relaxation techniques you can use to reduce anxiety and increase your companion’s comfort level.

By applying these few actions, you will certainly help your animal to better experience storms.

Keep your dog away from static electricity

Studies have shown that dogs can receive more electric shocks during thunderstorms. Along with the sound of thunder and the change in weather, these shocks can be a major stressor for our companions.

To help your dog calm down, consider keeping him away from metal areas that are prone to electric shocks.

You can also rub your dog with an anti-static drying towel.

Stay home with your dog

For a dog who is already afraid of thunderstorms, being alone will only make his anxiety worse. If a thunderstorm is in the forecast, try to be home or have someone stay with your dog during the storm.

Your presence will reassure your pet and help it to better experience this unpleasant moment.

Provide your dog with a calm environment

Give your dog the comfort and attention he needs to calm his anxiety. An anxious dog is unable to relax if he is overstimulated. Providing your pet with a calm and reassuring environment during the storm is the best solution to help him.

• Place your dog in a room where he feels comfortable, without too many people coming and going and being asked to come and go.
• Keep this room closed so he can’t escape.
• Keep away from children who can increase your dog’s stress through their shouting and agitation.
• Keep your dog away from windows so he can’t see the lightning. If that’s not possible, you can close the blinds to protect your dog from the visual stimulation of the storm.
• Place your dog in a soundproof room or a place where the storm is less audible.
• Cover him with a blanket if possible so he feels protected.

Note: Your dog may spontaneously go to his bed or a place where he feels safe. If this is the case, leave him where he has chosen to be and where he feels most comfortable.

Create a diversion

Keep your dog’s thoughts occupied with positive things. Don’t let him feed his fear. As with humans, it’s never good to dwell on his anxieties. For example, offer him gentle caresses to distract him and calm him down. If your dog is still reactive, try playing with him. Also offer him treats to congratulate him on his courage.

Practice positive education

If a dog is punished or ignored during a scary event, it can make his anxiety worse. Talk to your dog, pet him but do not scold him or punish him under any circumstances because he will not understand. Your dog will simply associate new negative things with the storm and will become even more afraid of it.

Try Natural Calming Remedies

For thunderstorm phobias, natural therapies can sometimes prove to be very effective.

This is the case, for example, with CBD .

Research shows that this hemp extract has calming and relaxing properties.

CBD is particularly useful in cases of:

• Separation anxiety
• Stressful situation
• Stress related to a change in routine
• Phobia (thunderstorm, fireworks, veterinary consultation)

If your dog is afraid of storms, CBD can soothe and relax them in a gentle and natural way.

Want to use CBD for your dog’s thunderstorm phobia? Discover CBD products from Botaneo, the natural care brand specially designed for pets.

Fight against noise

When there is no completely soundproof room, consider competing with the noise by using a radio. For example, dog-calming music can be useful to drown out the noise of the storm.

There are playlists of calming music for dogs on YouTube like this one:

Practice desensitization

In the lead-up to thunderstorms, try desensitizing your dog to the sound of thunder by using a CD with thunderstorm sounds. Start by playing the playlist at a very low volume while providing your dog with plenty of treats and positive interaction. By slowly increasing the volume over several weeks, desensitization will reduce or completely eliminate his anxiety during thunderstorms.

Try massages

A calming massage can go a long way in helping your dog calm down during a storm. There are many tutorials on YouTube to help you learn how to massage your dog. Here is an example:

Consult a veterinarian

If, despite all these actions, your dog continues to show signs of thunderstorm phobia, consult a veterinarian. The latter will give you other treatment options to calm your dog’s fear of thunderstorms.