Why are dogs sensitive to Thunderstorms?

Some dogs don’t seem to mind the loud noises that the environment around them make, but others tend to experience extreme fear and anxiety. According to Trista Miller, a CPDT-certified trainer and an AKC CGC and Trick Dog Evaluator, “...dogs are much more sensitive to sounds - their hearing is so much more powerful than ours - so they can often detect thunder before we can.” This can explain why many people feel like their dogs, cats, other pets, or livestock “act up” on stormy days or even several days before a storm hits. She also believes it’s instinctual. “It’s a survival thing to be afraid of loud noises, to want to find
shelter,” she says. “Thunder is a big part of it. But, I think dogs are also sensitive to changes in air pressure and potentially static electricity. So, I think there could also be some unheard, unseen things that dogs can catch that we do not.”

So, What Can You Do to Help?
 

• Make sure they have a safe space

  • kennel/crate

    • a familiar and comfortable space to your dog; it’s instinctual for dogs to seek shelter -- a den-like environment

• A familiar, low-light closet or bathroom

  • quiet, den-like environment

  • conversely, a well-lit environment can reduce the visual flashing that lightening can cause

• Offer ambient (background) noise

  • a sound machine (white noise, ocean sounds, etc.)

• Classical or easy listening music can be soothing to dogs!

• Television

  • visual and audio distraction

• Soothing activities

  • Chew toys (chewing can act as a tension release)

  • Long-lasting treats

    • bully sticks, frozen filled Kongs, yak chews, CBD oil (consult with your veterinarian prior to giving your dog any CBD product)

  • Lick-mats

    • smear with a yummy treat then freeze the mat to make it last longer

  • Puzzle toys with treats inside

  • Anxiety vests

    • for example, a ThunderShirt

• Aromatherapy

• Make positive associations with thunder

  • we taught a thunder fearful dog that every time he hears thunder, treats fall from the sky. . .  with repeated exposures (and the use of high value treats), he began to anticipate food and good times with thunder

  • we taught another dog to "bark at" thunder; if you don't mind the barking, giving the dog an outlet for their internal energy can sometimes be helpful

• Desensitization

  • gradual exposures (under threshold, where your dog is not stressed) while making positive associations

• If you have children in the home who are reacting to thunder (screaming, yelling, or frightened), your dog will likely feel that energy and develop or increase in anxiety over thunder

  • maintain a calm environment

• Remove metal hardware from your dog's leashes and collars during an electrical storm

 

• DO NOT PUNISH -- punishment for reacting fearfully only serves to deepen your dog's anxiety and make them even more fearful (and distrustful of You and the world around them).

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If you're planning to leave your dog with a sitter, daycare, or boarding facility, be sure to let them know about your dog's thunder anxiety so that they are prepared to provide proper care for your dog in the event of a storm.

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While we hope that this list is helpful to you and your dog when spring and summer storms
arrive, some pups require extra TLC and attention. Consult with your veterinarian if you have exhausted these options and are looking for more support.  Your veterinarian may recommend consulting with a certified animal behaviorist or medication treatment.