How to Calm a Dog During a Storm
To calm a dog during a storm, bring them inside, give them a quiet, den-like safe spot away from windows, mask the thunder with music, a fan or white noise, and stay calm and nearby. A long-lasting chew or food puzzle can help them focus on something else. For dogs with true storm phobia, gradual training with recorded thunder sounds and a talk with your vet about anxiety support work best over the long term.
If your typically brave dog has a tendency to turn into a scaredy cat whenever a storm rolls in, don't fret. Many dogs get nervous or anxious during storms. But here's the good news: if you can identify what exactly it is about storms that makes your dog feel afraid, you can usually take steps to keep them calm, and reduce the whining, pacing, chewing and scratching that come with it.
Is Your Dog Afraid of Thunderstorms?
Let's face it, thunderstorms can be scary! The world turns dark and cloudy, the rain can be heavy, the lightning is unexpected, and the thunder can even rattle your dishes if it's close enough. The key to learning how to calm a dog during a storm is to figure out exactly what is making your dog nervous.
- Research shows that thunderstorms can create anxiety in dogs, just like guns or fireworks. If noise is the main trigger, your biggest challenge will be to reduce the sound your dog hears during the storm.
- Some dogs react to the whole package: changes in air pressure, wind, the smell of rain and even static electricity in their coat. These dogs often get nervous before the storm arrives. In this case, you're probably best off keeping your dog as insulated from the storm as you can.
- Sometimes a variety of stresses work together. For instance, a dog with separation anxiety may panic most when a storm hits while they're home alone, so keeping them company matters.
Signs Your Dog Is Scared of Storms
Panting, pacing, trembling, drooling, hiding, clinging to you, whining or barking, trying to escape, and accidents in the house are all common. Many dogs start showing signs before you can even hear the thunder.
Once you understand what exactly is making your dog afraid, it's much easier to help keep them calm.
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Tips on How to Calm a Dog During a Storm
Here are some specific tips to help calm your dog during a storm.
Let Your Dog Inside
It might seem obvious, but if your dog is outside when a storm is on the way, then let them inside. Being out during a storm, or even before a storm, can make your dog feel exposed and even endangered, and frightened dogs sometimes bolt or jump fences. Let them inside where it's dry, well-lit, quiet, and where they can feel more secure in your company. Make sure your dog's ID tag and microchip details are up to date in case they ever do get loose.
Play Calming Music or White Noise
Consider playing some relaxing music, such as calm classical music or audio made for dogs, to help create a calming atmosphere inside during a storm. Not only can this help to calm your dog down, but it will also act as white noise, helping to make any thunder sound a little less loud by comparison. A box fan or white noise machine works well too.
Create a Safe Sanctuary for Your Dog
This can be an especially important tip if it's ever loud inside your house, such as during a party or a loud movie. Giving your dog a little space where they can go to feel safe is a powerful way to help keep them calm during a storm. A small, interior room, a closet with the door left open, or a covered crate your dog already likes can be ideal. Make sure to include some creature comforts there, like a bed, a chew, a bowl of water, or whatever will make your dog feel at home. Let your dog choose to go there; don't lock a panicking dog in.
A long-lasting chew is a good thing to keep in your dog's safe space. Chewing gives a nervous dog something calm to focus on while the storm rolls through.
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Keep Your Dog Away from Windows
When your dog is inside, the scariest part of a storm is liable to come in through the windows. Lightning may flash through the windows, scaring your dog with sudden light; and when thunder strikes, the sound is liable to be loudest by the windows. A loud thunderclap can even rattle your windows, making the sound even louder inside.
So keep your dog away from those windows. Once again, a quiet, windowless room might be the ideal place for your dog to feel safe until the storm passes. And if you don't have a room like that, at least close the blinds or curtains to cut down on the light and sound.
Keep Your Dog Comfortable
Does your dog have a favorite blanket, bone, or toy? If so, this is a great time to make sure they have those items that might help them feel a bit more comfortable. Another way to achieve this is by simply keeping them company during the worst part of a storm. Your presence will help them feel safer than they would on their own. It's fine to comfort a scared dog; it won't "reward" the fear. Stay calm and relaxed yourself.
Try a Snug Wrap
Some dogs settle better in a snug-fitting anxiety wrap or shirt that applies gentle, constant pressure. Results vary from dog to dog, so try it on a calm day first so your dog gets used to wearing it.
Keep Them Busy
For mildly nervous dogs, a game of tug, easy tricks, a lick mat or a food puzzle can redirect attention. Our dog training guide has easy skills to practice.
Long-Term: Help Your Dog Get Over Storm Fear
Comfort measures help on the day, but training can lower the fear over time. The approach is called desensitization and counterconditioning:
- Play a recording of thunder at a volume so low your dog barely notices.
- Pair it with something great, like a favorite treat, a meal or a game.
- Over many short sessions, raise the volume a little at a time, only as long as your dog stays relaxed.
- If your dog gets nervous, go back to a lower volume.
This works best during the off-season, when real storms won't undo your progress.
When to Talk to Your Vet
If your dog panics during storms, hurts themselves trying to escape, or the fear is getting worse each season, talk to your vet. Storm phobia is common and treatable, and your vet can recommend anti-anxiety medications or supplements made for situational fear, often given before a storm arrives, alongside training. Don't give your dog any medication, including over-the-counter options like Benadryl, without your vet's advice. Benadryl may make some dogs drowsy but doesn't treat fear itself.
Reddit Examples on How to Calm a Dog During Thunderstorm
Many dog owners turn to Reddit to share their experiences and tips for helping their furry friends cope during thunderstorms. Here are a few examples of what has worked for others:
- A user, ExaminationKey8782, shared that their dog responds well to white noise. They use a box fan near the dog’s bed to help mask the sound of thunder. While they also tried a ThunderShirt, it wasn’t effective for their pup, but the consistent hum of the fan worked wonders.
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- Another user, tah4349, echoed this advice, mentioning that using a smart home device to play white noise instantly calmed their foster dog, transforming her from panting and pacing to peacefully sleeping in her bed.
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- While white noise can be a lifesaver, pondersbeer offered a word of caution. They noticed that their intelligent dog started associating white noise with approaching storms, which could lead to pre-storm anxiety. To avoid this, they recommend using white noise regularly, not just during storms, so it becomes a neutral, calming background sound.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my dog scared of thunderstorms?
Most dogs react to the loud, unpredictable noise, but changes in air pressure, wind, flashes of light and static electricity can all play a part. Some dogs learn to fear the early signs of a storm, too.
Should I comfort my dog during a storm?
Yes. Comforting a frightened dog doesn't reward the fear. Stay calm, keep them company and give them a safe place to rest.
Can dogs sense storms before they arrive?
Many dogs seem to. They may notice pressure changes, wind, smells or distant thunder before people do, which is why some dogs get anxious early.
What can I give my dog for storm anxiety?
Talk to your vet. They can recommend medications or calming supplements suited to your dog and explain how and when to give them.
Conclusion
Hopefully these tips have helped you learn a little more about how to keep a dog calm during a storm. Try them out the next time those rain clouds roll in, and see which ones your dog responds to best. Every dog is a little different, so find what works for you and go from there to keep your dog feeling secure during bad weather. For more on anxious dogs, read our guides to separation anxiety and the signs of dog depression.
Once the storm passes, a game of fetch is a good way to help your dog shake off any leftover nervous energy.
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1 comment
I give my dogs 3mg melatonin meltaway and within 20 minutes there asleep or very calm.