Summer Thunderstorms and Dogs. What to Do When the Sky Starts to Roar

As summer arrives and the days stretch out long and warm, we often welcome the sudden rumbles and refreshing downpours that come with the season. But while we may enjoy watching the sky light up, many dogs feel quite the opposite. Thunderstorms can be a significant source of fear and anxiety for dogs, triggering everything from mild restlessness to full-blown panic.

If your dog starts pacing, panting, hiding or shaking when the clouds roll in, you are far from alone. At Paws Academy, we support countless dog owners every summer who are unsure how to help their dogs stay calm when thunder crashes and lightning flashes. The good news is there are practical strategies you can start using today, and they do not require turning your home into a soundproof bunker.

Why Are Dogs Scared of Thunderstorms?

To understand how to help, it helps to know what is going on. A thunderstorm is a sensory overload for many dogs. The loud noise, barometric pressure changes, static electricity and flashing lights can create a cocktail of confusion and fear. Some dogs may also associate storms with traumatic events, especially if they have ever been caught outside during one or experienced an owner reacting with panic.

There is also a genetic component. Some breeds seem more predisposed to noise sensitivity, and this kind of anxiety can become worse with age if not addressed.

Recognising the Signs

If you are unsure whether your dog is anxious about storms or something else, look for the following common behaviours:

• Hiding in corners, under furniture or in closets

• Excessive drooling, panting or shaking

• Whining, barking or howling during or before storms

• Trying to escape through doors or windows

• Clinginess or following you closely

• Refusal to eat or drink during bad weather

For some dogs, these behaviours begin before the first drop of rain. Dogs can sense changes in pressure and smell the storm coming long before we hear it.

Early Intervention Matters

The earlier you intervene in your dog’s thunderstorm anxiety, the better the long-term outcome. Letting fear continue summer after summer can solidify it as a behavioural pattern that becomes harder to shift. It is not simply about helping them “get used to it” either. For many dogs, repeated exposure without support actually heightens the fear.

This is where having a structured plan and consistent response can make all the difference. Below we explore several approaches that are evidence-informed, practical and have worked for many of our clients.

Creating a Safe Space

One of the most effective ways to help a dog manage thunderstorm anxiety is to give them a dedicated space where they feel protected and in control. This doesn’t need to be elaborate, but it does need to be predictable and comforting.

Start by identifying an area of your home that is as quiet and sound-insulated as possible. Rooms without windows or with heavy curtains are ideal. A bathroom, utility room or walk-in wardrobe can often work well. If your dog is crate trained and finds comfort there, that can serve as the anchor of their safe zone.

Line the space with soft bedding and include familiar items that carry your scent, like an old jumper or T-shirt. This provides reassurance through smell, which is incredibly powerful for dogs. Include a few of their favourite toys or long-lasting chews to help distract and soothe them.

Ambient noise plays a big role too. White noise machines, fans or background sounds can help block out the booming of thunder. You can also use the radio or television, especially talk radio or channels with a steady, human voice. This can provide a sense of normalcy and buffer the sudden cracks of thunder that tend to startle.

For dogs that are particularly sensitive, calming music designed specifically for dogs can be very effective. There are playlists and tracks available that are composed to promote canine relaxation. You can play these regularly, even outside of storms, so your dog begins to associate the music with a sense of calm.

Lighting can also make a difference. Keep the space softly lit, especially if lightning flashes are part of the fear response. Closing curtains or using blackout blinds can reduce the visual stimuli that often exacerbate anxiety.

Lastly, make sure your dog has the option to come and go. While some will retreat to this space willingly, others may want to be close to you. The goal is not to trap them in the space but to provide it as a sanctuary. Let them lead the way and support their choice.

By creating a safe, sensory-friendly environment, you’re giving your dog a valuable tool to self-regulate during stressful times. The key is consistency. Use the same space for each storm, and reinforce it with comfort and calm so it becomes a true refuge.

Stay Calm and Consistent

Your dog takes cues from your behaviour. If you react with worry or fuss when a storm starts, your dog may interpret the storm as something dangerous. On the other hand, pretending nothing is wrong and ignoring their anxiety can make them feel abandoned in their fear.

Instead, calmly acknowledge their stress. Sit with them if they seek contact, speak in a gentle voice and keep your movements slow. Let them approach you rather than forcing comfort on them. Some dogs want to be near you while others want space. Respect whichever they choose.

Try a Thunder Shirt or Pressure Wrap

These snug-fitting garments apply gentle, consistent pressure that can have a calming effect, much like swaddling a baby. They work best when introduced outside of storm time so your dog does not associate it with fear straight away. We recommend testing it during a normal day, with treats and praise, so it becomes a positive association.

Not all dogs respond to this, but for those that do, it can be transformative.

Consider Natural Remedies

There are some natural aids that may help take the edge off. These include:

• Pheromone diffusers or sprays like Adaptil

• Calming supplements with L-theanine, tryptophan or valerian

• Herbal remedies like Rescue Remedy (check with your vet first)

These should always be part of a broader plan, not a standalone solution.

Training for Resilience

This is where the real transformation can happen. Dogs can be desensitised to the sounds of thunder through gradual exposure and positive reinforcement. At Paws Academy, we build tailored training plans using recorded storm sounds, starting at a low volume and pairing it with activities your dog enjoys, such as food puzzles, fetch or gentle massage.

Over time, this helps reframe the sound of thunder as something safe. We always advise working under the guidance of a trainer, especially if your dog is showing strong reactions. Virtual consultations are a great way to get support if you are not local to our in-person sessions.

Stay Ahead With Weather Alerts

Keep an eye on weather forecasts during summer months so you can be prepared. If you know a storm is expected, you can:

• Walk your dog earlier in the day

• Feed before the storm if they lose appetite when anxious

• Set up their calm space well in advance

• Have any calming aids or training tools at the ready

Being proactive reduces the likelihood of panic, for both you and your dog.

Keep Safety in Mind Before the Storm Hits

While we often focus on what to do during a storm, what happens before it hits is just as important. Dogs who are anxious or startled by thunder can bolt, dig under fencing or jump gates they would usually never attempt. Prevention is key.

Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise earlier in the day before any stormy weather is due. A good walk, sniff session or interactive game can take the edge off and help them settle more easily when the sky turns. If possible, vary the activity so it engages both mind and body.

Double check that all gates are securely latched and your fencing is intact. Even dogs who never normally try to escape can panic and make unexpected attempts when frightened. If your dog spends time outdoors, bring them inside before the weather worsens. Even if they are used to being outdoor dogs, they still need access to shelter, safety and human contact during a storm.

Now is also the time to make sure your dog’s microchip details are up to date. If they do manage to run off, this increases the chance of a quick reunion. You can contact your local microchip registry or vet to check and update these details. It only takes a few minutes but can make all the difference.

Know When to Seek Professional Help

If your dog is damaging property, self-harming or unable to settle at all, it is time to get professional advice. Thunderstorm phobia is not just a behavioural quirk. It is a real, distressing condition that can seriously affect your dog’s wellbeing.

At Paws Academy, we help dog owners address these challenges with practical, evidence-based training. Whether your dog needs a gentle confidence boost or a full behaviour intervention plan, we are here to help. We offer one-to-one sessions, group training and virtual consultations so no matter where you are based, support is within reach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I train my dog to not be afraid of thunderstorms?

Yes, absolutely. Gradual desensitisation using storm sound recordings, paired with positive activities, can reduce fear over time.

Should I let my dog hide during a storm?

Yes. For many dogs, retreating to a quiet, safe space helps them feel in control. Let them lead the way.

Do calming products really work?

For some dogs, yes. They are most effective when combined with a behaviour support plan.

What if my dog becomes destructive during a storm?

This is a sign of severe stress. Reach out to a professional trainer or behaviourist to create a customised plan.

Is it okay to cuddle my dog during a storm?

Only if your dog seeks it out. Never force physical contact, but offer calm support if they come to you.

Do virtual training sessions help with storm anxiety?

Yes. Many of our clients use virtual sessions successfully to work through anxiety strategies from home.

Conclusion: You Are Not Alone in This

Every summer, we speak to dog owners who want nothing more than to help their dogs feel safe. There is no shame in asking for help. If your dog is struggling, take the first step today.

At Paws Academy, we are here for all your dog training needs. Reach out to us for in-person training in Ireland or book a virtual consultation if you’re based elsewhere.

Let us help you bring the calm back to summer.