The thunder booms and the dog dives under the bed. It booms again and the dog runs from under the bed into the bathroom. Another shaker blasts and the dog runs back under the bed from the bathroom. Panting, eyes glazed and staring, the poor dog is beside himself with fear over what we consider a great light show. Why are so many dogs scared of thunder? And what do you do when your dog is scared of thunder?
Why is a Dog Scared of Thunder?
Not all dogs are scared of thunder and lightning but for those that are, each storm brings with a maelstrom of stress and anxiety . Why is a dog scared of thunder and lightning?
To a dog, loud and sudden noises have no point of reference – they just happen for no apparent reason. Small children are often scared of thunder for the same reason, which is why there are many different ‘wives’ tales’ to explain away their fear. Unfortunately, there is no way to do the same for a dog.
At no time during a thunder and lightning storm should a dog be left outside or taken outside to relieve himself or herself without you and a secure leash ! A dog’s first reaction to a thunderclap is to escape, making a dog bolt in fear. Many dogs are lost each year during thunderstorms and although many are found, a good portion of them are injured or killed in their panic-driven run for cover. Always guard doors, keep windows closed, and take your dog out on a leash during storms to ensure their health and safety.
Steps to Take to Calm a Dog that is Scared of Thunder
Part of how stressed a dog becomes during a thunderstorm is the anticipation of the noise. Dogs sense the environmental disturbances long before the storm is actually audible to their sensitive ears and long before we can hear it. Because of this early warning system, their anxiety has time to grow before the storm actually hits the area.
Since humans are capable of watching the weather radar either on TV or the internet, we can be forewarned of when a storm is going to hit. A couple of hours before the storm is expected to be anywhere near your area, take your dog for a long walk or exercise session so that they are physically tired. Exercise works to reduce stress levels in dogs much like it does in humans and a tired pooch is almost always a calmer pooch.
While the storm is still a long ways away, turn on the TV or radio and gradually increase the volume. This will help drown out the sound of the thunder and hopefully if the storm path is not too close to your house, may work to lessen the impact of the storm altogether.
Distracting your dog during a storm can also help as long as their fear levels are not too high. Close the curtains, keep the volume of the radio or TV up, and have a game of indoor fetch with your dog. Or give him a chew or bone to work right before the storm becomes louder then the TV. Another game that keeps a dog busy is tug-of-war and focused on something other then the storm.
If the storm hits with a vengeance and background noise, darkened rooms, and distraction are no longer working, the next step is to build a ‘safe’ place for your dog. Interior bathrooms and closets are a common place for a dog to hide as the lack of windows hides the lightning strikes and muffles the sound. If your dog chooses the bathroom as his safe place, turn on the overhead fan to further drown out the thunder and make sure there is nothing the dog can get into that could harm him i.e. medicine, razors, cleaners, etc are all put away safely.
Depending on where the closet is located, turn on near by fans, radio or TV to muffle the thunder. Again, look for any potential harmful items in the closet and put up any valuable shoes, belts, and slippers that your dog may damage.
It is vital your dog can get out of their ‘safe’ place so make sure bathroom and closet doors remain open. The feeling of being trapped can heighten your dog’s anxiety even more, causing them to accidentally hurt themselves in an attempt to escape.
Between Storm Behavior Modification for a Dog Scared of Thunder
Although many people believe you can completely desensitize a dog to t