Why Are Dogs Scared of Thunder? How to Calm Them

When you think of spring and summer, you may imagine peaceful fun in the sun. But for many dogs, these warm months bring a different reality: sound phobias associated with thunderstorms, which are common this time of year. Fear of storms is typical among furry friends, and you may notice your pup drooling, panting, pacing, barking, whining, or trying to run away from the loud bangs. So, why are dogs scared of thunder? And what should you do when your dog is scared of thunder? 

Causes of Thunderstorm Fears

Although many dogs feel uncomfortable during storms, they’re not all afraid for the same reason. These are some of the most common causes of their anxiety. 

Past Trauma

A dog who has experienced a fearful event in the past is more likely to react negatively to future events. If your pup was startled by an unexpected firework last Independence Day, for instance, they may associate the sound of thunder with that experience. Noises from garbage trucks, motorcycles, smoke detectors, and vacuum cleaners might also create a fearful association with loud sounds. 

Natural Instincts

Has a loud bang ever startled you? It’s natural for unexpected noises to frighten dogs and humans alike because our survival instincts warn us of potential danger. While we can identify the loud rumble, some dogs are afraid of thunder because they don’t know what’s causing that powerful, unpredictable thud or where it’s coming from. So, they may hide or whimper in the face of this perceived threat. 

 Heightened Sensitivity

Another reason why dogs are scared of thunder is their heightened sense of hearing. Our furry friends’ ears are much more sensitive than our own and there’s a whole range of high-pitched sounds only dogs can hear. As a result, a thunderous crash may especially alarm them, and they might even hear other noises that we can’t. 

What’s more, dogs seem to have a sixth sense for knowing when a storm might be brewing. They are sensitive to changes in barometric pressure and may feel anxiety and panic when they detect a shift, according to Wag! This phenomenon may cause your dog to feel uncomfortable even before the bad weather begins. 

Socialization Issues

Many pups aren’t socialized to a variety of people, places, and sounds at a young age, which explains why some dogs are afraid of thunder. Puppies aren't born recognizing all the strange noises in their environment, and these sounds may be jarring if a pooch isn’t used to them. 

RELATED: Dogs and Fireworks – How to Keep Your Pup Calm 

How to Calm a Dog During a Storm

Not sure what to do when your dog is scared of thunder? These solutions will help keep your furry friend calm during the next storm. 

Give Them a Comfy Space

We all have our happy place! Dogs are den animals and feel safe in areas that resemble this cozy, secure environment. Something as simple as putting your dog in a crate with a familiar blanket and their favorite play toys can help your best friend feel comfortable during a thunderstorm. If you really want to go the extra mile and have enough space, consider giving your pup their own dog room! 

Offer Soothing Chew Toys, Treats, and Music

There are many behavioral tools and methods you can use to calm an anxious dog. Chewing is a natural coping mechanism for relieving stress, and offering your dog a chew toy gives them a healthy, non-destructive outlet to occupy their mind and manage fear. You can also play some soothing music dogs like to drown out any undesirable noise and reduce their stress levels. 

Don’t punish your dog if they start to bark or whine during a storm. Instead, pet them and speak in a calm tone to help them settle down. Once your dog regains their composure, give them praise and a tasty chew treat to reinforce their good behavior! 

Socialize and Desensitize Your Dog 

It's never too late to socialize your puppy or adult dog. Slowly introducing them to people they haven’t met, visiting your local dog park, or even playing recorded thunder or firework sounds at a low level will help them feel more comfortable around a variety of stimuli. Keep in mind that this will take lots of time and patience; your dog won't be "cured" overnight. 

Seek Professional Help

Depending on the severity of your dog's sound phobia, it may be helpful to consult your veterinarian for advice. Your vet may recommend medication or a solution like pheromone therapy, which uses naturally secreted pheromones to lessen the negative side effects associated with sound phobias. 

In the most extreme cases, an animal behaviorist is often the best person to help train your furry friend—and maybe even more importantly, you—to manage the problem. Intense fears can lead to dog behavioral issues like aggression, so it's crucial that you tackle the problem head-on. 

Calm, Cool, and Collected 

Knowing how to calm a dog during a storm will make those warm days even more enjoyable for you and your pooch! Be patient when training your dog to manage their fears and remember to keep calm during the next storm. If your dog sees you’re relaxed, they’ll be more likely to keep their composure. 

Lousy weather doesn’t have to keep you and your dog from having a fun time. Teach your pup these cool dog tricks for rainy days!