How to calm a dog during a storm

Loud, unexpected noises can make us jump – and the same is true for our dogs. In addition to the shock of sudden noises, dogs can pick up on subtle changes in the weather that we might miss. As the humidity rises or the air pressure changes, your dog might start to become stressed and anxious as they anticipate what’s on the horizon.

If your dog suffers from storm anxiety, you might notice the following signs:

• Hiding
• Pacing
• Panting
• Yawning
• Shaking
• Drooling
• Tucked tail
• Ears pinned back
• Destructive behaviour

Once you know your dog is scared of thunderstorms, there are a few things you can do ahead of time to help them stay settled.

1. Check the weather forecast: During times of the year when storms are more likely, check the weather forecast regularly. If possible, plan to stay at home when a storm is on the way.
2. Avoid walks: If a storm is forecast, it’s best to avoid going out on your regular walk. If your dog is startled while out, they might slip their collar and run off. Instead, try to take your dog for an earlier walk, or plan some fun games at home to provide the mental and physical stimulation your dog needs.
3. Prepare a safe space for your dog: Some dogs will have a favourite place to hide during storms – for example, in their crate or tucked away in a corner. Make this space more comfortable by adding your dog’s bed or some toys. You can also place blankets over your dog’s crate to make a cosy den, but make sure there’s still enough airflow. Once your dog has chosen their spot, don’t try to move them. Closing windows and blinds can also muffle the sound of thunder and reduce any bright flashes of lightning.
4. Check doors and windows: During a thunderstorm, a scared dog might panic and try to run and hide. If any doors and windows aren’t secured, they might accidentally escape and injure themselves or go missing. When preparing for an upcoming storm, check all doors and windows are secure. If people are coming and going from your home when a storm is expected, try to block off these doors so your dog can’t access them.
5. Prepare them with storm music: Search for ‘storm music’ on YouTube and play it in the background while having a positive experience with your dog, such as when playing with them or feeding them a treat. You can then try to increase the volume of the music as your dog becomes accustomed. Over time, this should help them get used to the sound of storms.

Once your home is prepared, it’s time to weather the storm. Use these tips to keep your dog as calm as possible.

• Offer distractions: If your dog only shows mild signs of stress during thunderstorms, a distraction might be enough to calm them down. Find something your dog enjoys, such as a grooming session, trick training or a tasty treat, and see if you can keep your dog’s attention on this, rather than the storm.
• Use calming remedies: For some dogs, pressure vests like a thunder jacket will help to ease their anxiety. For others, synthetic dog-appeasing pheromones can help reduce stress. Before trying any calming remedies, speak to your vet to make sure it’s an appropriate option for your dog.
• Play background music: For minor storms, playing background music can be enough to drown out the thunder. Try a playlist with dog-calming music, white noise or leave the radio on. Some studies suggest that dogs prefer classical music, while others found that reggae and soft rock were the most effective at decreasing stress levels. Give these options a try and see how your dog reacts.
• Stay at home with your dog: Leaving your dog home alone during a storm may heighten their stress and anxiety. Even if your dog prefers to hide in another room or in their crate during a storm, they know you’re there if they want comfort or companionship. If your dog also suffers from separation anxiety, being on their own during a storm can be very scary.
• Speak to your vet: If your dog is extremely anxious during storms, ask your vet for advice. They may be able to prescribe medication that can help or offer other solutions to try at home.
• Speak to a behaviourist: A qualified behaviourist can assess your dog’s reaction to storms and offer tailored advice. They might recommend desensitisation, which involves gradually exposing your dog to thunderstorm sounds while rewarding them using positive reinforcement. This can help reduce or eliminate storm-related anxiety in some dogs.

If you have dog insurance with Petplan, you can access our Pet Expert Chat by logging into your My Petplan account and speaking with someone specifically about pet anxiety.