How to Stop a Dog from being afraid of Thunderstorms?

If you love dogs, it’s hard to see your usually calm pup get stressed out during a thunderstorm. Some dogs show mild signs of stress, like licking their paws, while others get so anxious they might even become destructive.

To understand why some dogs are so scared of thunderstorms, we talked to Trista Miller, a certified dog trainer and AKC CGC and Trick Dog Evaluator. Here’s what we found out.

Why Do Dogs Hate Thunderstorms?

Trainers and experts don’t know all the reasons why dogs hate thunderstorms, but Miller thinks the loud noises play a big part. “Dogs have much better hearing than we do, so they can often hear thunder long before we notice it,” she says.

She also thinks it’s instinct. “Being scared of loud noises and wanting to find shelter is a survival instinct,” she explains. “Thunder is a big part of it, but I also think dogs are sensitive to changes in air pressure and maybe even static electricity. There might be things they sense that we can’t see or hear.”

Tips for Soothing Your Dog During a Thunderstorm

When there’s a thunderstorm and your dog gets nervous, here are some simple ways to help them calm down:

1. Give Them a Safe Space

Let your dog go to a place where they feel safe, like their crate or a dark closet, and don’t punish them for how they act during the storm—even if they whine or get a bit destructive. Miller explains that dogs like small, cozy spaces because they feel safe and familiar.

“Dogs came from wolves who lived in dens, so they still like den-like spots,” she says. “A small, enclosed space makes them feel safe because nothing can sneak up on them. If they’re somewhere comfortable and familiar, they’ll feel calmer.”

Also Read: What to do If My Dog is Aggressive Towards Other Dogs?

2. Provide Background Noise

If your dog can’t hear the thunder or see the lightning, they’ll be less stressed. Along with giving them a safe, dark space, playing background noise can help. Just like us, dogs get jumpy when they hear loud noises suddenly, so background noise makes things feel more normal.

“You can play white noise or even classical music, which is especially calming for dogs,” Miller says. “Talk to them in a soothing voice, and if your dog likes it, pet them in long, gentle strokes.”

Also Read: How do I Stop My Dog from Being Afraid of Thunderstorms?

3. Soothe Them with Toys, Treats, and More

Chewing and puzzle toys can help your dog feel better during a storm.

“If your dog gets destructive, chewing and licking are ways they calm themselves down,” Miller explains. “If that’s how your dog deals with stress, giving them toys that let them do this in a positive way can be really helpful.”

She suggests using toys like the Lickimat, where you can spread peanut butter, cream cheese, or mashed bananas. Dogs have to work to lick the food off, which keeps them busy and relaxed.

Other helpful things include calming treats, CBD oil, peanut butter-stuffed Kongs, or anxiety vests. “All of these can be great for dogs,” Miller says. “If they like their crate, give them these fun things while they’re in there.”

Also Read: How to Stop a Dog from Digging in the Yard?

Learn Your Dog’s Body Language

It’s easy to feel frustrated when your dog gets destructive or whines during a storm, but it helps to understand why they’re acting that way and learn how to help them. The key is to pay attention to their body language.

Dogs are great at using body language to communicate. “They can read other dogs’ body language really well, and they’re great at reading ours too. But most of the time, we miss what they’re trying to tell us,” Miller says. “People often misunderstand what their dog is trying to communicate.”

For example, if your dog yawns, it might mean they’re feeling stressed, not tired. If you learn to spot these signs before a storm gets intense, you can help your dog feel calm before they get too anxious.