How to Help a Dog Who Is Scared of Thunder

Springtime brings more than a fresh breeze and blossoming flowers; it marks the return of thunderstorms. However much you may love to relax and curl up on the couch with a good book or movie on rainy days, storms can be an incredibly stress-inducing experience for your dog, even if you’d consider them a typically calm dog. 

The good news is that a storm in the forecast doesn’t have to be your dog’s worst nightmare — here’s some tips on how to help a dog who is scared of thunder. In this section we will cover why dogs are scared of thunder, signs of anxiety, how to calm your dog down in a thunderstorm, and some products that can help them weather the storm.

• Why Are Dogs Scared of Thunder?

• Signs Your Dog is Anxious During a Storm

• How to Calm Your Dog During a Storm

• The Kradle® Solution

Why Are Dogs Scared of Thunder?

Many pet parents believe the loud noises during storms are solely responsible for making their dog anxious, and while that certainly is a big part of it, there are several other factors at play that make a dog scared of thunder. 

Here’s your fun fact for the spring: your dog can actually sense when a storm is coming. Thanks to their ability to hear sounds four times further away than humans, dogs are likely able to hear low-frequency thunder rumblings long before we can. 

According to National Geographic, they also sense dropping barometric pressure, which alerts them to seek shelter. Dogs, especially larger ones and those longer or thicker coats, can build up static electricity in their fur — the same feeling we would get if we were to walk across a carpet and then touch a metal door handle, for example — and the feeling of it makes them uncomfortable and nervous.

Even though they can sense them from a mile away (literally), storms are still a big unknown to dogs…they have no idea what they are and have trouble getting used to them because of their unpredictable nature. The flashes of lightning and scent of rain can even be enough to send some into a tailspin, let alone the thunder. 

Storms also put a wrench in a dog’s daily routine, which only adds to the stress. Dogs like predictability and consistency, everything storms are not. So when you ask yourself why are dogs scared of thunder, it has a lot to do with their senses and lack of understanding of what a storm it.

Signs Your Dog is Anxious During a Storm

Every dog is different and has their own way of expressing fear. For example, there is such thing as fear period in dogs specifically in puppies which is normal so it’s important to know what to look for so you know how to help your dog.

One of the clearest signs a dog is stressed during a storm is if they seek out a hiding place, often in the grounded areas of a home like the basement or a bathtub (which, believe it or not, can protect them against the electric shocks). In extreme cases, dogs become so scared that their behavior turns dangerous and destructive, such as clawing through walls or jumping through window screens.

Common signs of stress during storms include the following:

• Panting: Rapid or heavy panting without physical exertion.

• Trembling or Shaking: Physical signs of fear, often noticeable in the legs or body.

• Hiding: Seeking small, enclosed spaces like under beds, in closets, or behind furniture.

• Pacing or Restlessness: Inability to settle, frequent moving around, or circling.

• Clinginess: Staying close to you or following you around the house.

• Drooling: Excessive salivation that is unusual for your dog.

• Destructive Behavior: Chewing, scratching, or attempting to escape (e.g., digging at doors or windows).

• Accidents in the House: Urinating or defecating indoors, even if they are house-trained.

• Ears Pinned Back or Tail Tucked: Body language indicating fear or discomfort.

• Excessive Licking or Yawning: Repetitive, stress-related behaviors.

And again, because each dog is inherently unique, yours may display other signs of stress that are not listed above. Keep a close eye on your dog’s behavior and whether they’re acting in ways they normally wouldn’t. You know your dog best!

How to Calm Your Dog During a Storm

With a better understanding of why dogs are scared of thunderstorms, we can be better equipped to address how to help a dog who is scared of thunder. To help calm them, stay with your dog if they seem frightened. Your presence can and calm voice is often what they need. Offer positive reinforcement when they stay calm but don’t ignore signs of severe distress. And if needed, there are some great calming products, such as CBD Quick Calm Melts and CBD bones for dogs, designed to help your pup manage these types of stressful situations.How to Help Your Dog Feel Safe During Thunderstorms

Can you help a dog scared of thunder or should you comfort a dog scared of thunder?  Yes! Here are a few quick tips to help your dog feel safe.

Give Your Dog a Safe Space 

Designate a quiet area and choose a location your dog feels comfortable in, such as a crate, a closet, or an interior room with minimal windows. If your dog can see outside, close curtains to reduce lightning flashes and shut windows to minimize the sound of thunder. You can may also be asking should I cuddle my dog during a thunderstorm, and the answer is yes! Give them a blanket, their favorite toy, and make them as comfortable as possible.

Play Background Noise to Mask Thunder

You can help dogs afraid of thunder by drowning out the noise with white noise machines, fans, calming music or even sound from a show on TV. You can even consider noise-cancelling products like canine earmuffs if your dog would tolerate wearing them.

Use Calming Toys, Treats, or Tools

There are many solutions on the market designed to help calm your pup during a storm. Anxiety wraps or shirts which apply pressure to help calm dogs are common and readily available. Natural supplements, such as Kradle’s CBD Quick Calm Melts and CBD bones for dogs, are designed specifically for dogs and are easy to use. All Kradle products are portable and easy-to-use, so wherever you are when a storm arises, whether in the car, at home, or elsewhere, you’ll be able to give your dog the calm they need. On the days you know a storm is bound to roll through, give your dog Kradle before the storm begins for the best results. Sometimes storms can come up out of the blue. In those cases, Melts are your dog's best friend (besides you). With an extra boost of CBD, Quick Calm Melts are formulated to work quickly and are perfect for those "surprise" anxious moments. As we note in our Ultimate Guide to Giving Your Dog CBD, consider upping your dog's dosage on the stormy days.

Desensitization Techniques for Long-Term Relief

We all want what’s best for our furry best friend. When storms happen, we often ask ourselves how to stop storm anxiety in dogs. While stopping their anxiety may not be possible, there are ways to desensitize them. 

One method is through gradual exposure of storm sounds during times of calm by playing recordings of a storm. It is important to start at a low level, and pair with treats and play, and gradually help them build a tolerance over time. Another technique is counterconditioning, where you teach your dog to associate storms with positive experiences, such as fun activities and special treats.

Understanding Your Dog’s Reactions to Thunder

By combining these strategies, you and your pup can feel more secure and less anxious during these stressful events. Spring brings warm weather and flowers, but also storms and thunder. Plan ahead, and know there are things you can do and products designed to help you and your dog manage their anxiety.

FAQs

• How can I calm my dog during a thunderstorm?

• If your dog shows signs of anxiety from a storm, provide them with a safe, comfortable place and play background noise to drown out the sounds of thunder. You can also use natural products such as Quick Calm Melts which are designed for dogs to help them specifically during these types of events. Longer-term, there are desensitization techniques such as gradually exposing your dog to the sounds of thunder during calm times to help condition them storms.

• Are there long-term solutions for thunder anxiety in dogs?

• Yes, try gradually exposing your dog to the sounds of thunder during calm times or associating thunder with a positive experience, such as a special treat or fun activity. Over time, this can help you pet better manage their anxiety by associating the sound of storms with something positive.

• Should I comfort my dog when they’re scared of thunder?

• Yes! Cuddling your dog and hearing your voice can help calm them during a storm. Their favorite blanket, toy or even a calming product are all great ideas for comforting your pup during anxious times.