Dogs and Thunderstorms: How to Help a Dog Who's Scared of Storms
Updated: 3 days ago
A summer storm can turn a relaxed dog into a shaking, panting, hiding one in minutes. Some dogs start worrying long before we hear the first rumble, because they can sense the pressure change and smell the rain coming. Thunderstorm fear is common, it often gets worse with age, and it's not something dogs simply get used to. Sound tracks help, but on their own they aren't the golden nugget people think. With a safe den, a few calm routines and some gentle training on quiet days, you can make storms much easier for your dog. Here's what helps, and what to avoid.
THE SHORT ANSWER
Dogs fear thunderstorms because of the loud bangs, flashes of light, changes in air pressure and possibly static electricity in their coat. Signs include panting, pacing, shaking, hiding, drooling, clinging to you, trying to escape and refusing food. To help, set up a quiet den in an inner room or covered crate, close curtains, play steady background noise, offer chews and lick mats, and stay calm and close. Comforting your dog won't make the fear worse. Between storms, use recorded storm sounds at a very low volume, paired with food, to slowly build confidence. Some dogs find a snug-fitting wrap helpful. If your dog panics, hurts themselves or the fear is getting worse each year, speak to your vet about medication alongside training.
Why dogs are scared of thunderstorms
Storms bring a lot at once: deep booms, sudden cracks, flashes, wind, rain on the windows and a drop in air pressure. Some dogs also seem bothered by static building up in their coat, which may be why some hide in baths or behind toilets.
Noise sensitivity can run in families and some breeds, and it often grows with age. A frightening experience, like being caught outside in a storm, can make it worse.
Signs your dog is frightened
Some dogs show fear loudly, others very quietly. Many start before the storm arrives. Watch for:
panting, pacing or not settling
trembling, drooling or ears pinned back
hiding under furniture, in the bath or behind the toilet
clinging to you or following you everywhere
whining, barking or howling
trying to escape, scratching at doors or windows
refusing food or treats
Set up a storm den
A den gives your dog somewhere to go that feels safe. Pick an inner room with few windows, like a utility room, landing or bathroom, or cover a crate with a heavy blanket.
Add soft bedding, a worn T-shirt that smells of you, water and a long-lasting chew. Leave the door open so your dog can come and go. If they choose somewhere else, like under your bed, let that be the den instead.
During the storm
Small things make a big difference while the storm is passing. Stay calm and keep things ordinary. Try these:
close curtains and switch on lights to soften the flashes
play steady background noise, like the radio, a fan or calming music
offer a lick mat, stuffed Kong or chew to help your dog settle
sit nearby and stroke your dog if they want it
keep doors and gates closed, as frightened dogs can bolt
take your dog out to toilet on lead, even in the garden
Will comforting my dog make it worse?
No. Fear is an emotion, not a trick your dog is choosing to do. You can't reward fear by being kind.
Calm, quiet comfort helps many dogs. Keep your voice low and your movements slow. If your dog prefers to be left alone in their den, that's fine too.
Building confidence between storms
The best time to work on storm fear is when there's no storm. Play recorded storm sounds at a volume so low your dog barely notices, while they eat or play.
Over several weeks, raise the volume very slowly, only when your dog stays relaxed. Recordings can't copy pressure changes or flashes, so this helps but may not fix everything. Read caring for your dog in stormy weather.
When to see your vet
If your dog panics, injures themselves trying to escape, or the fear is getting worse each year, talk to your vet. There are safe, short-acting medicines that can help during storms.
Medication isn't a failure. It often makes training work far better, because a calmer brain can learn. Read keeping your dog settled during fireworks.
RENEE'S TIP
Check the weather forecast each morning during storm season. If thunder is on the way, walk your dog early, set up the den before it starts and have a chew ready. Getting ahead of it makes the whole storm calmer.
QUICK CHECK
ā Storms bring noise, flashes and pressure changes dogs can sense early
ā Set up a quiet den your dog can choose
ā Use background noise, closed curtains and chews during storms
ā Comforting your dog won't make fear worse
ā Practise with low-volume recordings on calm days
ONE-TO-ONE HELP
Help with a dog who panics in storms
If your dog's fear of storms or loud noises is getting worse, I can help you build a step-by-step plan in an online Dog Behaviour Consultation from wherever you are.
Online on Teams, wherever you are. 30 or 60 minutes.
FAQs
Why is my dog scared of thunderstorms?
The loud noise, flashes, pressure changes and possibly static in their coat can all frighten dogs.
Can dogs sense a storm coming?
Yes. Many dogs notice changes in air pressure and smells before we hear any thunder.
Should I comfort my dog during a storm?
Yes, if they want it. Comforting won't make the fear worse.
Do storm wraps or anxiety vests work?
Some dogs find a snug wrap helpful. Try it on calm days first so it feels familiar.
Can my vet help with storm anxiety?
Yes. Vets can prescribe short-acting medicines that help during storms, alongside training.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Renee Patience Ā· National Dog Trainer of the Year 2025
Founder and head trainer of Paws Academy, with more than 30 years training dogs and a Level 6 Diploma in Applied Canine Behaviour. Renee has competed in agility, obedience and heelwork to music across the UK, including at Crufts and Olympia, has appeared on CBBC, and is the author of the Modern Training Guides and the Modern Breed Handbook series. Pictured with her boxer, Kookie.
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