• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Dog's Best Life

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Help your dog survive thunderstorms

Posted December 11, 2019

 

Approximately 30% of puppies and dogs are distressed, and suffer from physical and behavioral problems during lightning and thunderstorms. Normally, they begin to show signs of anxiousness hours before the storm hits.

thunderstorms

Dogs learn by association. Puppies do not seem to be as affected by storms. Dogs are usually at least a year old, before they show signs of anxiety and distress.

They could be associating our uneasy behavior prior to and during thunderstorms; or, it could be from their own experiences, such as being trapped outside, or home alone during a bad storm.

In order to survive an immediate threat, as with humans under stressful conditions, dogs release cortisol.

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal gland, and released by the hypothalamus, a part of the brain. It helps us, and our dogs cope with fight or flight situations.

Watch your dog

At signs of the next storm, observe your dog. You may notice she appears restless, paces, drools, pants, whines/howls, hides, or clings to you. If arthritic, they will have difficulty getting up, or walking, because of inflammation of their joints.

It is a fact, as static electricity builds, there are dogs that become statically charged. They may want to hide in a bathroom; in the bathtub, or behind the toilet.

Inherently, some dogs seem to know the need to ground his or herself. Don’t be surprised if they want to hide in their crate, a closet or under a bed. Others, feel safer in a more open space, such as a porch or lanai.

Sense of smell

Your dog’s senses of smell and hearing are more perceptive ours. They can perceive subtle changes as the barometric pressure drops, before we do.

Watch for signs. You may notice their nose is in the air, as they smell changes in the ozone, caused by lightning still miles away. When lower pressure moves in, it changes the way scents travel; usually lower to the ground.

Keen hearing

They can hear thunder before we do. Be careful. The fear of being trapped during a storm could make your dog’s aggression rise or induce a need to bolt.

There are products available, such as pheromone diffusers, vests, medications, and natural calming treats, that can help reduce their anxiety. Some owners report leaving more lights on in the house, and playing a radio or TV on a higher volume, helps to defuse the flashes of lightning, the surprise cracks of thunder, and the sound of rain hitting the roof.

If you’re going out in the storm be sure to protect both your dog and yourself by wearing a rain jacket. 

Bottom line

Currently your dog may not be affected by storms. Being familiar with changes their body language and behavior will prepare you, should the phobia develop. Do not baby your dog. That will only reinforce their fear in a negative manner. Remain calm. Be reassuring. Go about doing whatever you normally do. This is one of the hardest behaviors to modify. Sometimes it’s impossible. If you know what to look for, and what to do, you can help your dog survive thunderstorms.

– By Karen A. Soukiasian

Follow Karen A. Soukiasian on Facebook

Save

 
 
 

Related Posts

  • barometric pressure
    Barometric pressure changes can affect your dog

    Some dogs alert their owners to changes in barometric pressure…

  • bites and stings
    Protect your dog from 7 spring dangers

    Protect your dog from any dog spring danger including thunderstorms,…

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Dog Health, Home Page Tagged With: Dog safety

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • Tricolor Australian shepherd in front of white background. Take steps to stop dog pawing.

    Canine body language: What’s your dog saying with his paws?

  • The most common warning signs to watch for in your puppy's behaviors include snarling, growling, mounting, snapping, nipping, lip curling, lunging, dominance, challenging stance, dead-eye stare, aggressive barking, possessiveness, and of course, biting!

    Take action immediately when you spot aggressive puppy warning signs

  • Cute corgi puppy wrapped in a blanket. Talk with your vet about starting your dog on medication to protect him from parasites including flea and tick prevention, as well as heartworm prevention.

    Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success

Tags

Pandemic Dog temperament Dog body language Dog safety Bichon frisé Pit bull Dogs eat grass Flying Dog bath Dog Medical Emergency Independent dog breeds High-tech dog gadgets Christmas Pet sitter German shepherd Thanksgiving Dog begging Vacation dog care Major life changes Big dogs Dog grief Apartment living Home renovations New Year Boston Terrier Small dogs Dog sleep Dog communication Puppy-proof Petfinder.com

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • 5 reasons why maintaining your pet’s dental health is important
    Poor dental health can lead to tooth loss, heart disease, and other health problems. Provide proper dental care for your dog. […]
  • 7 famous dogs that shaped the course of history
    Read more to find out how seven famous dogs helped shape human history. Famous dogs include Peritas, Soter, Old Drum, and Pavlov's dog. […]
  • Discover 10 interesting facts about dog behavior
    Here are ten facts about dog behavior that may help you understand your pet more and wonder less about sometimes slightly peculiar habits. […]
  • 5 common dachshund health problems and how to treat them
    Dachshund health problems include hip and elbow dysplasia, invertebrate disc disease, obesity, allergies and asthma. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2022 Dog's Best Life online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.