Why are dogs scared of thunder? How to help

It's pretty natural for dogs to get scared of thunder: it's loud, sudden and, in Britain, infrequent. With their advanced senses, a thunderstorm can get uncomfortable for them. But most dogs can get through it with some preparation and calming reassurance.

Then again, there's a difference between feeling a little scared and a dog becoming terrified.

If your dog whines, trembles, paces, hides or begins to get destructive, they need some help.

Here, we discuss why dogs are scared of thunder, how to prepare for a thunderstorm, what to do if your dog gets scared and long-term strategies for thunder phobia.

Get behavioural cover up to £20,000 as part of your overall vet fee limit, on Complete Care

Start my quote

Why are dogs afraid of thunder?

Thunder's loud, it's sudden and can surprise dogs when they're all chilled out. There are numerous reasons why thunder can spook your pup.

Changes in air pressure

Dogs can sense changes in the air pressure before a storm, which unsettles them.

Genetic predisposition

Some breeds, like herding dogs and hounds, are more prone to thunderstorm anxiety. Examples include Australian Shepherds and Border Collies.

Heightened senses

A dog's heightened sense of hearing means thunder sounds impact them more. They can hear low-frequency rumbles, feel subtle atmospheric pressure changes, and detect vibrations that humans might miss. Their hearing is far more acute.

Past experiences

A dog with poor experiences with thunder and loud noises, like being outside during a storm or being exposed to fireworks as a puppy, can lead to more anxiety.

Our guide on what cats and dogs are scared of discusses more, which revealed that 45% of pets are scared of thunder and lightning.

Static sensitivity

Alongside pressure, dogs are sensitive to static electricity build-up before and during a storm. This makes them feel uneasy and leads to them seeking out grounded places like bathtubs or places with pipes.

Unpredictability

Sudden, loud noises, like thunder and lightning, cause anxiety and panic in dogs.

Signs your dog is frightened of thunder

Common signs your dog is scared of thunder include:

• Body language changes, like licking lips, pinned-back ears, or wide eyes

• Chewing

• Clinginess

• Constant barking

• Drooling

• Excessive panting

• Hiding

• Isolating themselves

• Looking for owner reassurance

• Pacing

• Scratching

• Trembling

• Trying to escape the house or room

• Yawning

Their behaviour is similar to when dogs deal with fireworks.

Preparing for a thunderstorm: pre-emptive measures

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to prepare for thunderstorms:

Check forecasts, especially during the summer

You won't get caught out if you regularly check the weather, especially during summer. If we're caught in a rare British heatwave - which you have hopefully prepared your dog for - then keep an eye out for thunderstorms.

This gives you the go-ahead to get ready, especially if your dog is prone to thunderstorm anxiety.

Pre-storm exercise and potty breaks

Try to get your dog's walk, playtime and potty breaks in before the storm arrives.

They'll be unlikely to go out during a storm, and it helps to get their routine out of the way before the noise hits.

Secure your home

Close windows and blinds, and make sure everything is locked up. Sometimes, dogs can get scared and run away when they have thunderstorm anxiety, so keep close to your pup and soothe them if necessary.

Check closely for potential escape routes, especially if you have a small breed.

After the storm, make sure things like gates and fences are re-secured before letting your dog back outside. Take time to check these, as a small gap is all some dogs need.

Our piece on making a pet-friendly garden can help here.

Make sure your dog's microchip information is up to date

Unfortunately, some dogs can get flighty when a storm arrives. You should keep them secure in the home anyway, but we get it: accidents happen.

We recommend checking your dog's microchip, which is a legal requirement, and knowing what to do if your dog runs away before a storm happens.

But we're sure they'll stay safe anyway, so try not to panic too much.

What to do when your dog is scared of thunder

Create a safe zone

This should be a quiet, enclosed space where a dog can relax, like their crate or the bathroom. Provide their favourite blanket, bed, or a piece of your clothing with your scent.

Dogs will intuitively seek out grounded areas, like baths and near metal pipes, due to their fear of static electricity. If it's safe, allow them to do this.

Distract your dog

Distraction with things like long-lasting chews, puzzle toys, games or a relaxed training session can keep your dog engaged while the storm passes.

Stay calm and composed

Your dog can reflect your emotions, so if you're calm and collected, they'll act the same. Try not to fuss too much. We know it's hard when they're stressed, but this can inadvertently positively reinforce the behaviour they're experiencing.

Instead, be calm, confident and calmly reassuring.

Use background noise

Calming music and white noise may settle down some breeds. Test out how yours reacts to these sounds first.

How to help dogs scared of thunder (long-term steps)

Preparing for thunder anxiety means taking long-term steps before a storm happens.

We recommend trying:

Desensitisation techniques

Assuming your dog stays calm, you can try exposing them to low-volume recordings of thunder while they stay calm and comfortable. Positively reward your dog when they're calm, using sound positive reinforcement training principles.

Calming products & tools

Some owners say their dogs benefit from pheromone diffusers and sprays, which release calming scents when a dog is struggling with stress. Just check to make sure it's all okay with your vet first.

Vet-approved supplements

Some vets will prescribe supplements to help with thunder phobia, but make sure you discuss it with them first. Some consider pet supplementation as a bit of a grey area.

Noise-cancelling options

Some vets may recommend specialised noise-cancelling headphones for dogs.

Professional support

Usually, consistent, severe storm phobia, and major anxiety in general, will only see improvement with a professional, certified dog behaviourist.

When to speak to your vet

You should see your vet if your dog has:

• Behavioural changes, like hiding or persistently negative body language

• Destructive behaviour

• Very severe, worsening anxiety, with symptoms like causing injury or extreme panic

A vet can check if any underlying health issues are causing your dog's thunder phobia and general anxiety while referring them to a behavioural specialist or prescribing medication if needed.

After the storm: helping your dog recover

Following a stressful storm, you should:

• Give your dog some time to decompress as they may have lingering anxiety, and let them hang out in their safe space if needed.

• Gradually return to your normal routine, and give them plenty of positive attention.

• Stay patient - it's a stressful event, and never shout at your dog because they aren't recovering as you'd expect. Negative reinforcement will just make things worse.

Get peace of mind for you and your dog

Managing storm anxiety is challenging, and as a pet parent, you'll face some unpredictable issues like this as your dog ages. But it's not all doom and gloom: with the right mix of proactive strategies and professional support, you and your dog can get through this.

At ManyPets, our dog insurance can help on rainy days with up to £20,000 vet fee cover on Complete Care, 24/7 access to video vet calls and a host of ManyPets Perks.

Top-quality dog insurance

We've got your dog's back.

Nose-to-tail dog insurance for accidents and illnesses at competitive prices with no hidden fees.

Protect your pet