Dogs & Thunderstorm Anxiety

Many dogs suffer from fear and anxiety whenever the weather gets bad. While it may look cute to owners, it really means that their pets are terrified. In addition to the increased stress and unhappiness cause by fear, thunderstorm anxiety may lead to damaged furniture, windows and other household objects. Some dogs even hurt themselves.

  1. Theories/Speculation

    • Veterinarians aren't sure why dogs are so likely to be frightened by thunderstorms. These animals may be reacting to the bright flashes of lightning, the sound of hard rain on the roof, the noise of thunder or the increased wind. Dogs with a fear of thunderstorms may even be reacting to something humans can't sense, like electrical charges in the air or a change in air pressure.

    Risk

    • Some types of dog are more likely to suffer from thunderstorm fear than others. Working breeds, including herding dogs like collies and German shepherds, sporting breeds like the Labrador retriever, and hounds, including basset hounds and beagles, are more likely to have this problem. Dogs adopted from rescues or shelters also seem to have a fear of storms more often than dogs adopted from a breeder or a home. This may be due to their lower levels of socialization or to previous bad experiences.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Veterinarians recommend a number of options for dogs with thunderstorm anxiety. Desensitization uses flashing lights, soft thunder sounds and other stimuli to teach these animals that there's no danger. Some vets prescribe anti-anxiety medication for animals during storms. Owners can also make sure that their dog feels more comfortable by creating a safe space, like a soft bed in a closet, or a crate under the bed. An anxiety wrap, which applies mild pressure to the dog's body, may also provide reassurance.

    Considerations

    • It's important to make sure that dogs with a fear of storms don't have other anxiety problems, too. The treatment for a generalized anxiety disorder is very different from the treatment for thunderstorm anxiety. Some dogs with an apparent fear of storms also suffer from obsessive-compulsive behavior, and may run, bark, chew and pace. These animals display anxious behavior even when there is no storm.

    Warning

    • Dog owners may be tempted to comfort their frightened pets. This is a bad idea, since cuddling and reassuring the anxious dog only rewards fearful behavior. A safe, comfortable retreat where the animal can securely get through the storm provides the same reassurance, but doesn't reinforce the behavior.