Why Is My Dog Scared Of Thunderstorms And What Can I Do About It?

Last weekend's rough weather revives an age-old debate among pet lovers--what should you do if you find your dog is scared of thunder? Read on to find out why your dog is scared of thunder and for tips on how to cope if your dog is afraid of thunder.

Q: My dog is scared of thunder. Why is my dog afraid of thunder and how can I make him less scared?

A: Many dogs are scared of thunder simply because they do not understand what it is. Dogs hear this loud noise and perceive it as something threatening, which explains why they may become instinctively afraid of it.

How Can I Tell if My Dog is Scared of Thunder?

Telling whether or not your dog is afraid of thunder isn't too hard. During thunderstorms, some dogs try to go under tables, in bathtubs, or in any other places that make them feel secure. It is OK to allow them to do this.

Tips: How To Treat a Dog Who is Scared of Thunder

It is important not to try to soothe your pet too much during thunderstorms; doing so can actually encourage your pet's fear if they sense any insecurity in your voice.

During a thunderstorm, try to provide a background noise for your dog such as TV or radio. This may help to somewhat drown out the noise of the thunder.

You can also try to get your dog's mind off the storm by playing with him or her.

Dogs Scared of Thunder May Require Sedation

There are some dogs that require sedation when there is a storm. Consult your veterinarian so that they can prescribe something to calm your pet during a storm.