Last updated on April 19th, 2025 at 01:19 am
Thunder rumbles, lightning flashes—and your dog disappears under the bed or starts pacing anxiously. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Storm phobia is a real and stressful issue for many pet owners.
If your dog is scared of storms, there are practical ways to help them cope and feel safer when the weather turns.
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In this post, we will cover why dogs are afraid of storms, how to recognize storm anxiety, and what you can do—both naturally and medically—to support your pup.
Why Are Dogs Scared of Storms?
For a dog scared of storms, the experience can feel terrifying and completely out of their control.
Nearly 70% of dogs get anxious during thunderstorms, which shows how important it is to take steps to help them feel calm and safe.
Thunderstorms are unpredictable, loud, and full of sensory changes that many dogs find overwhelming. While we might just see it as a little rain and noise, our dogs experience storms much more intensely.
One of the biggest reasons dogs are afraid of storms is their incredibly sensitive hearing. Dogs can hear sounds four times farther away than we can. So those deep rumbles of thunder? They’re not just loud—they can be startling or even physically uncomfortable for your pup.
But it’s not just about the sound. Dogs may also react to changes in barometric pressure. They can sense the drop in pressure that comes before a storm, which may cause feelings of unease before a single drop of rain even falls.
Sudden bursts of light followed by loud booms can create a pattern that makes your dog increasingly anxious with each flash.
Some dogs become statically charged during storms, especially if they’re lying on carpet or have long fur. This can cause tingling sensations that they don’t understand.
Storms change the way the air smells. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and can pick up on the scent of ozone in the air easily.
If you tense up during a storm—even just out of concern for your dog—they’ll pick up on it. Dogs are masters at reading our body language and emotions.
Storm anxiety is usually a combination of sensory overload, physical discomfort, and emotional stress. For many dogs, this can turn every thunderstorm into a full-blown anxiety attack, with fear escalating as the storm continues.
Understanding what’s triggering your dog’s fear is the first step toward helping them feel safer when the skies darken.
What Are the Symptoms of Storm Anxiety in Dogs?
Storm anxiety symptoms can range from subtle changes in behavior to full-blown panic. If your dog is scared of thunderstorms, you might notice a mix of physical signs and behavioral changes—some of which may surprise you.
Pacing or Restlessness
Your dog may walk in circles or move from room to room, unable to settle down. This is often one of the earliest signs of discomfort.
Whining or Barking
Vocalizing is a way dogs express fear. You might hear increased whining, howling, or barking that’s different from their usual tone.
Trembling or Shaking
Just like a person might shiver when anxious, dogs often shake or tremble when they’re feeling frightened.
Drooling
Excessive drooling can be a stress response and may appear suddenly when a storm is approaching.
Hiding or trying to escape
Many dogs instinctively seek shelter when they’re scared—under a bed, in a closet, or even trying to wedge behind furniture. Others might try to escape the house entirely.
Panting Heavily
Fast, shallow breathing is a sign of stress and an increase in adrenaline.
Destructive Behavior
Dogs may chew furniture, dig at doors or windows, or scratch walls in a panicked attempt to “get away” from the noise.
Clinginess or Seeking constant reassurance
Some dogs become extremely attached to their owners during storms and won’t want to leave your side.
Urinating or defecating indoors
Even fully house-trained dogs may lose control of their bladder or bowels when they’re overwhelmed with fear.
These behaviors don’t just happen during the peak of a storm—they often begin before the storm hits. Dogs can sense environmental changes like shifts in barometric pressure, static electricity in the air, and even the distant rumble of thunder long before we notice anything ourselves.
If your dog regularly shows one or more of these behaviors before or during a storm, there’s a good chance they’re suffering from storm anxiety. The good news? You can absolutely help them feel better with a mix of preparation, training, and support.
As a veterinarian, I’ve seen countless dogs come in shaking and panicked during storm season—some even breaking through doors or injuring themselves in fear. It’s heartbreaking, but with the right tools and prep, I’ve helped many pet parents manage their dog’s anxiety and bring peace back to stormy nights.
How Does Your Dog’s Body React to Storm Anxiety?
Storm anxiety activates your dog’s sympathetic nervous system—the fight-or-flight response. This can cause:
- Increased heart rate
- Muscle tension
- Rapid breathing
- A spike in stress hormones like cortisol
Over time, repeated exposure to storms without support can worsen anxiety and lead to long-term behavioral issues. That’s why helping a dog scared of storms isn’t just kind—it’s necessary for their mental and physical health.
How to Prepare Yourself and Your Dog for Storms
If your dog is scared of storms, a little preparation can make a huge difference. Storms can be unpredictable and intense, but having a plan in place helps reduce panic—for both you and your pet. The more proactive you are, the more confident and calm your dog will feel when bad weather hits.
Here are some simple but effective ways to prepare ahead of time:
Check the weather forecast regularly during storm season
Stay ahead of the weather. During spring and summer—especially in storm-prone areas—make it a habit to check the forecast daily. Knowing when a storm is expected gives you time to put calming tools in place before your dog starts reacting.
Create a “storm kit” with calming tools
Just like you might have a go-bag or emergency supplies, your dog should have a storm kit ready to go. Include items like:
- An anxiety vest (like a Thundershirt)
- Calming supplements or CBD chews (vet-approved, of course)
- Adaptil spray or diffuser
- Their favorite chew toy or puzzle feeder
- A soft blanket or calming mat Having everything in one place means you’re not scrambling while thunder is already rolling in.
Desensitize your dog to thunder using sound recordings
Desensitization training can help reduce your dog’s fear over time. Start by playing recordings of thunder at a very low volume while your dog is relaxed or enjoying a treat. Gradually increase the volume over days or weeks—never rushing the process. This helps them learn that thunder isn’t a threat.
Speak with your vet about anxiety treatments early
Don’t wait until your dog is mid-panic. If your dog’s anxiety is moderate to severe, medications like Trazodone, Gabapentin, or Sileo can help—but they’re most effective when given before your dog is in full-blown fear mode.
Your vet can help you come up with a personalized storm plan and guide you on how and when to give medications.
Practice calming behaviors in non-storm settings
Train your dog to go to a “safe place,” use a calming mat, or settle with a chew while it’s calm and quiet. That way, when a storm does come, your dog already knows what to do—and doesn’t associate those calming activities with fear or panic.
7 Ways to Help Your Dog During a Storm
When a dog is scared of storms, it can feel like nothing will calm them down—but there are ways to help. Every dog is different, so it might take some trial and error to find the right combination. The key is to create a plan and start early, before your dog hits full panic mode.
Here are 7 effective ways to comfort and support your dog during a thunderstorm—with a few favorite products I recommend as a vet (affiliate links included below):
1. Comfort Your Dog and Drown Out the Noise
Fear isn’t a behavior you can reinforce—so it’s absolutely okay to comfort your dog. Sit with them, speak calmly, or offer soothing touch. Drowning out the thunder with a white noise machine, calming music, or TV can also help reduce the intensity of storm sounds.
🛒 Recommended: White Noise Machine on Amazon
2. Create a Calming Environment
Designate a quiet, cozy spot in your home as your dog’s storm-safe zone. Include:
- Soft blankets
- A dim nightlight
- A toy or chew
- A piece of your clothing
This area can help your dog feel more secure during the chaos of a storm.
3. Offer Distraction
Distractions work best if started before your dog reaches full panic mode. Try:
- A Kong filled with frozen peanut butter or wet food
- Snuffle mats or puzzle toys for mental stimulation
- Long-lasting chews like yak cheese or bully sticks
🛒 Try this: KONG Classic Toy on Amazon
🛒 And these: Dog Puzzle Toys on Amazon
4. Try a Dog Anxiety Vest
Snug-fitting garments like the Thundershirt apply gentle pressure, creating a calming effect similar to swaddling a baby. These vests are especially helpful when worn before the storm starts.
🛒 Recommended: Thundershirt Dog Anxiety Jacket on Amazon
5. Use Dog-Appeasing Pheromones
Adaptil products mimic the comforting pheromones that mother dogs naturally produce. Available in sprays, plug-ins, and collars, these can help your dog stay calmer during storms.
🛒 Check out: Adaptil Calming Collar on Amazon
6. Consider Calming Supplements
For dogs with mild to moderate storm anxiety, calming supplements can make a big difference—especially when used as part of a larger storm prep plan. These supplements are typically available over the counter in chews, soft gels, powders, or oils, and many are formulated specifically for dogs.
When choosing a calming supplement, look for these veterinary-recommended ingredients:
CBD (Cannabidiol)
CBD comes from hemp and can help calm your dog without making them feel “high.” It works with your dog’s natural system that helps control mood, sleep, and stress. Many pet owners give it 30 to 60 minutes before a storm to help their dog feel more relaxed.
🛒 Try this: Holistapet CBD Calming Chews for Dogs
L-theanine
L-theanine is a natural ingredient found in green tea that helps dogs feel calmer without making them sleepy. It works by boosting feel-good chemicals in the brain, like serotonin and dopamine. It’s often included in calming supplements and is safe to use regularly.
Tryptophan
This is a natural amino acid that helps the body produce serotonin, a key neurotransmitter in mood regulation. Tryptophan is commonly found in calming chews and may help dogs feel more relaxed and less reactive during a storm.
Melatonin
Known for its role in promoting restful sleep, melatonin can also be helpful for dogs who pace, whine, or stay on high alert during storms. It’s especially effective when used alongside other calming tools like a safe space or anxiety vest. Always use dog-specific products and consult your vet for dosing guidance.
🛒 Also try: Composure on Amazon
Always talk to your vet before starting a new supplement, especially if your dog is on other medications.
7. Veterinary Treatment and Behavior Modification
If your dog’s storm anxiety is severe, speak with your vet about prescription medications such as:
- Trazodone – a sedative that reduces anxiety)
- Gabapentin – calms the nervous system
- Sileo (oral gel) – FDA-approved for noise aversion, applied to gums
These are safe when used under guidance and often work best when given before the storm hits. Long-term, pairing meds with behavior modification—like desensitization to thunder sounds—can help reduce your dog’s fear over time.
- Use positive reinforcement (reward calm behavior with treats)
- Try desensitization training (play storm sounds at low volumes, gradually increasing while rewarding calmness)
Helping a dog scared of storms means being prepared with the right tools and support. You don’t have to figure it all out alone—and your pup doesn’t have to suffer through another storm in fear.
🎁 Want all of these recommendations in a printable checklist?
Subscribe to my blog, you’ll get instant access to my FREE Storm Anxiety Prep Checklist—available exclusively in my pet care resource library!
Final Thoughts – Helping a Dog Scared of Storms
It’s heartbreaking to see your pet so distressed, but the good news is there’s help. If your dog is scared of storms, you don’t have to face it alone. With the right tools, preparation, and support, you can help your dog feel calmer and more secure when thunder starts to roll.
Every dog is different—what works for one may not work for another. Keep trying, stay patient, and remember: your comfort means the world to your anxious pet.
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