Dog Scared of Thunder? 8 Tips You Need to Know

Having lived with two thunder-phobic rescue dogs, I know only too well that thunderstorms can be a nightmare for some dogs and their owners.

Noise phobias are some of the most common phobias found in dogs, with around 40-50% of dogs experiencing some level of fear or anxiety in response to loud noises like thunder, fireworks, or other sudden sounds.

So if your dog is scared of thunder, you’re far from alone—and it’s important to address the issue not just for your dog’s well-being, but for your peace of mind as well.

Luckily, there are strategies you can implement to transform stormy nights from a time of terror into a calmer, more manageable experience for both you and your dog.

Key Takeaways

• Up to 50% of dogs show signs of distress during thunderstorms, indicating fear or anxiety.
• Thunderstorm anxiety in dogs is a type of noise phobia that can cause a range of symptoms.
• Recognizing and addressing your dog’s fear of thunder is essential for her comfort and health, and to make storms a more manageable experience for both you and your dog.

Understanding Canine Fear

A dog’s fear of thunder and lightning (officially known as astraphobia) can show in various ways, from mild uneasiness to severe panic.

Natural Instincts

Dogs have evolved to be acutely aware of their environment, and their hearing is much more sensitive than ours.

This means they can hear thunder long before we are even aware of it.

Thunder can also cause changes in air pressure and produce static electricity, both of which dogs are sensitive to—not to mention the bright flashes of lightning and noisy, heavy rain.

Behavioral Cues

During a storm, you might notice various signs that your dog is scared.

You may see excessive drooling, pacing, howling, hiding, or even destructive behavior like scratching doors or chewing furniture.

Subtle cues, such as shaking, trembling, panting, or whining, can also be clear signals of discomfort.

Whenever a storm rolls in, our rescue dog Lennox paces up and down relentlessly, panting heavily and unable to settle.

Even heavy rain terrifies him.

Another of our rescue dogs, Louis, would tremble with fear during a storm.

You could even hear his teeth chattering.

Poor Louis would hide himself as far away from any windows as possible, often finding refuge in the bathroom.

I would sit with him and play music to help him relax and reassure him with my presence.

All of these behaviors are our dogs’ way of communicating distress and a need for reassurance or a safe space.

Here’s a short clip of an absolutely petrified Louis during a thunderstorm:

Causes of Fear

When your dog gets scared during a thunderstorm, several factors might be at play.

Genetic Predisposition

Certain dog breeds, like Border Collies and other herding dogs, are naturally more sensitive to loud noises and may experience greater anxiety during storms.

This genetic trait, designed to keep them alert to environmental threats, can unfortunately heighten their fear of thunderstorms.

The good news is that understanding your dog’s breed-specific needs can help you tailor your approach to managing her storm anxiety.

Past Experiences

A dog that has had traumatic experiences related to thunder or loud noises might end up developing a phobia.

For instance, if your dog hasn’t had any experience of the sound of thunder or the phenomenon itself, or has experienced a particularly loud and intense storm, it could lead to a long-term phobia.

Sensory Sensitivity

Some dogs can find the low-frequency rumbles and bright flashes of lightning during thunderstorms overwhelming.

The changes in barometric pressure and the sensation of static electricity can also contribute to their sense of fear.

Impact on Dogs

When thunder starts rumbling, your dog may experience more than just fleeting worry.

Unfortunately, it can have a profound effect, translating into intense emotional distress, behavioral changes, and even impacting their physical health and overall well-being.

Emotional Distress

Dogs who struggle with a fear of thunder may feel a sense of impending doom as the storm approaches.

This can lead to a state of anxiety even when the thunder is still far away.

Again, we see this in our pup Lennox, who starts pacing up and down at the mere hint of dark clouds on the horizon.

Behavioral Changes

In extreme cases, some dogs may become aggressive because they’re so scared, or try to escape, which risks them getting hurt or lost.

As I mentioned, destructive behavior, like chewing on furniture or scratching at walls, is another way dogs might try to cope with their fear.

Physical Health

Chronic stress from frequent storms can lead to immunosuppression and make dogs more susceptible to illness.

Prolonged anxiety can also be taxing on a dog’s body, possibly resulting in stress-induced digestive problems

Management Strategies

If you have a dog that shows signs of storm anxiety, you can use several management strategies to help alleviate her stress.

#1. Safe Space

Designate a quiet, enclosed space that your dog naturally gravitates toward during stressful situations.

This could be a crate lined with comfortable bedding or a cozy hiding place in a secluded part of your home.

Make the area even more appealing with items that exude a sense of security, like your dog’s favorite toy, blanket, and a T-shirt blanket that has your scent.

#2. Comfort Your Dog

There’s a school of thought that petting your dog when she’s scared risks reinforcing her fearful behavior.

In other words, your dog may view your comforting actions as a reward, which might make her think that being scared is the right response.

However, fear is an emotion, not a trained behavior (like sit, stay, come back, etc.).

Fear-related behaviors are controlled by something called negative reinforcement.

This means a dog does something to make the scary thing go away or feel less scared.

For example, hiding during a thunderstorm helps your dog feel safer, so she hides.

Similarly, coming to you for comfort also makes her feel safer, so she seeks you out.

Both hiding and seeking comfort help to reduce her fear.

To Pet or Not To Pet?

The idea that petting your dog when she’s scared makes her more fearful is “plain incorrect,” says animal behavior expert Dr. Karolina Westlund.

However, she points out the following caveats:

• For dogs that enjoy petting in general, petting can help calm them down when they are scared.
• However, if your dog is extremely scared, petting might not work and she might stay highly anxious regardless.
• Alternatively, if petting your dog helps initially but eventually stops being effective, your dog might try even harder to get your attention, thus becoming even more anxious and agitated.
• Sometimes, a very frightened dog becomes extra sensitive, and the sensation of touch might make her feel worse.
• Lastly, if you always pet your dog during thunderstorms, she might start to associate the sound of thunder with petting and feel less scared over time.
• But… if a new loud noise happens right after you stop the petting, your dog might get confused and not know what to expect next, which could either help reduce fear or make it worse.

The conclusion?

“Be cautious of petting a frightened dog during a noisy event (especially fireworks),” says Dr. Westlund.

“It may make both of you feel better, but pay attention to the animal.

“Stop if you see that petting makes things worse.”

#3. Background Noise

You can counteract the noise of thunder with calming background noise like white noise, dog-specific music, or classical music.

There are plenty of options on YouTube too.

Background noise can mask the disturbing sound of thunder and help dogs relax.

I’ve used calming dog music to great effect with Lennox.

I also play it in the car when we’re going to the vet and it always helps him to relax.

#4. Calming Aids

While calming aids are not effective for all dogs, they certainly can’t hurt and are worth a try.

Thundershirt

A snug-fitting Thundershirt can provide constant pressure to your dog’s body, which may have a calming effect on her anxiety during a thunderstorm.

I was blown away by the calming effect a Thundershirt has on Lennox’s anxiety and wouldn’t be without one now.

Check out the effect a Thundershirt had on Lennox in this quick video:

Pheromone Diffusers

You can also plug in an Adaptil diffuser, use a synthetic pheromone spray, or try a calming collar.

These products all use pheromones, which are natural chemicals dogs release to communicate with each other.

Sprays that mimic canine pheromones can be particularly helpful in managing stress- and anxiety-related behaviors.

Anti-Anxiety Medication

In extreme cases, you may want to speak with your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medication if your dog’s anxiety during thunderstorms is severe.

#5. Desensitization Training

Desensitization means slowly getting your dog used to something she is scared of (in this case, thunder) by exposing her to it in a way that is not too overwhelming.

It’s very important not to rush this.

• Systematic Approach: Approach desensitization gradually, starting with the sounds of thunder at a low volume and short duration. Over time, the volume and duration can be increased (separately, so your dog only has to deal with one thing at a time) as your dog becomes more comfortable. The goal is to elicit a positive association with the noise.
• Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog with treats, praise, or play whenever she remains calm in response to the sounds of thunder. This reinforcement helps them form positive associations with what used to be a scary experience. Keep exposures to the sound very quiet and short to start with. Use high value treats your dog loves but doesn’t get regularly (e.g. hotdog, cheese, chicken, steak…).
• Seek Professional Guidance: Consider consulting a canine behavior specialist for a tailor-made desensitization and counterconditioning plan. This can ensure the best way forward for your dog’s temperament and level of fear.

#6. Mental Stimulation

Activities like chewing and licking are relaxing for dogs, so giving your dog a stuffed KONG or Lickimat can help keep her mind occupied and distract her from the noise of the thunder.

When dogs use their brains to problem solve, it helps them think more rationally and stay calmer overall.

#7. Alternative Therapies

Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies like Pet Remedy and Rescue Remedy may provide a natural way to reduce your dog’s anxiety without the need for prescription medication.

For instance, supplements containing chamomile and valerian root are known for their calming effects and can be used in anticipation of thunderstorm season.

Before administering any herbal supplement, it’s essential to check with your veterinarian to make sure it’s safe for your dog and to determine the correct dosage.

Combining herbal treatments or complementary therapies with other techniques I have mentioned earlier, like providing a safe space, playing calming music, and providing mental enrichment, can also be a helpful strategy.

Complementary Therapies

Complementary therapies, such as acupuncture and massage therapy, are another option.

Acupuncture, rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, involves placing fine needles at specific points on the body to restore energy balance and promote relaxation.

Massage therapy can be another soothing technique, helping to release built-up tension and provide comfort during stressful times.

Always consult with your veterinarian before starting any new treatment to make sure it fits your dog’s health needs.

#8. Stay Calm

Your calm demeanor during storms is also essential.

If you stay relaxed, your dog is more likely to feel secure.

The goal is to teach her that good things happen during thunderstorms, reducing her overall sense of fear and anxiety.

READ NEXT

Top Stress Signals in Dogs Every Owner Should Know

Resources

• Behaviour: Firework Fears and Phobias – Jon Bowen 
• Dog Owners: To Pet Or Not To Pet During Thunderstorms Or Fireworks – Dr. Karolina Westlund
• Firework Fears And Phobias In Companion Animals – Why Do We Let Owners Take The One In Two Chance? – Claire Hargrave
• Storm Music for Dogs! [Video] – Relax My Dog

NEED A DOG TRAINER OR BEHAVIOR EXPERT?

If you need more help dealing with a training or behavior issue, please find professional help from a force-free dog trainer who can consult with you either in person or remotely.

GOOD PLACES TO START ARE:
- COAPE Association of Pet Behaviourists and Trainers
- Pet Dog Trainers of Europe
- International Companion Animal Network
- Institute of Modern Dog Trainers
- Pet Professional Guild 

All dog owners deserve to have successful relationships with their canine companions!