Help ease your dog's thunderstorm fear with these behavior and management solutions.
Thunderstorm phobia is a relatively common problem for dogs, particularly for those that live in areas where stormy weather is more frequent. Big thunderstorms can be frightening enough for us humans, but some dogs are so traumatized they are unable to function normally for hours before and during a thunderstorm.
Whether fear of thunderstorms is caused by a singular traumatic experience or prolonged exposure, the result is often highly distressing for dogs and people. Without behavioral modification and management strategies, phobias become deeply ingrained and even harder to overcome.
What makes behavioral modification in these cases so difficult is that thunderstorms are not easy to predict or control. A dog usually knows that a storm is coming long before a person does and becomes increasingly panicked as it approaches. Dogs can be very sensitive to changes in barometric pressure that occur before a storm and start to worry long before the storm arrives. Many thunderstorm-phobic dogs attempt their own coping strategies, including trying to escape from the home, digging into carpets, seeking out dark den-like spaces in which to hide, pacing, or crawling behind a bathroom sink or toilet.
Despite that, it is possible to help a dog feel more comfortable during a storm, and hopefully over time, change how she feels about storm noise and sensations.
Thunderstorm noise desensitization
Desensitizing storm noise involves gradually exposing your dog to audio recordings of storm sounds at a low volume that doesn’t scare or concern your dog, and then playing his favorite game or feeding him his favorite food at the same time. Introducing the audio at low levels and creating a positive association with the food or game allows the dog to feel better about the noise, without a fear response.
Bioacoustic music from the Canine Noise Phobia Series (CNP) helps dogs acclimate to thunderstorm sounds in a controlled way. The recording is uniquely constructed to enable dogs to 'tune out' the sounds of a thunderstorm. In addition to treating already present thunderstorm phobias, this tool can also be used to prevent thunderstorm noise phobia and other noise sensitivities from ever developing.
The goal of this therapy is to change how a dog feels by altering the way he hears the sound. Music and graduating sound effects in CNP encourages nervous dogs to 'passively hear' the noise rather than 'actively listen' to it. For a dog, the end result is that even though he hears the sound of a thunderstorm, he is less bothered by it because it no longer overwhelms him.
Provide your dog a hideaway from the storm
Provide your dog with a hideaway that he can escape to during a storm. This could be a closet, bathroom or basement. Providing access to this safe place is essential at all times, particularly if you are absent. The best places usually have no windows but access to artificial light to help mask flashes of lightning. If static electricity is a problem, rubber matting or tile is a good antistatic material to use for flooring. Your dog might actually seek her own hideout in the bathroom and if she does, just let her if you can.
It is thought that some dogs, especially long-coated breeds, become statically charged during a thunderstorm, receiving electric shocks from static in the air unless they 'ground' themselves. It is believed that dogs do this by retreating to a bathroom and hiding behind a sink or toilet, staying close to pipes that provide electrical grounding. If true, this would certainly explain why so many dogs end up cowering in a bathroom.
If your dog seeks the bathroom or other tiled room during a storm, let her. You can also try to reduce static build-up by wiping her fur with antistatic laundry strips. Of course avoid using products that contain harmful chemicals that dogs could lick off.
Mask storm noises and play calming music
Have a way to mask storm noises, such as a white noise machine, fan, or air conditioner. Try these at a quiet time to make sure that the whirring of these machines don’t scare your dog. If they do, don’t use them. Get calming music from the Canine Noise Phobia Series as another calming, noise-masking option for your dog.
Wraps and pheromones for storm fear
Try a snug wrap made for thunderstorm fear or put your dog in something close fitting as this might make her feel more secure. This doesn't work for all dogs, so consider your dog’s body language and if she seems bothered, don’t use it. There are also products that contain dog appeasing pheromone, which is a synthetic pheromone that mimics those given off by a lactating canine mother. This can help with anxiety and are available in the form of a collar, room diffuser or spray.
In order to give the dog the best possible chance of rehabilitation, it is vital that behavioral therapy and management are always implemented in tandem with any medication.
Comfort your dog during a storm
If you are present during the storm, spend time with your dog in her safe haven or give her attention if she comes to seek comfort. Contrary to what you may have read, comforting a nervous or fearful dog will not reinforce her fear; the opposite is actually true. A calming touch or just holding your dog close can help make her feel safe.
Work with your veterinary team for storm phobia
If your dog’s phobia is extreme and she doesn’t find relief from these measures, ask your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medication that can be used to help your dog. If your dog does receive medication, remember that medication alone won’t be enough — creating safe spaces, providing comforting measures, and behavior desensitization will still be vital components for successful treatment.
Thunderstorm phobia is a difficult condition to treat, but trying a variety of therapies and techniques will improve your dog’s ability to cope when the big clouds roll in.
