Help My Dog Is Scared of Thunderstorms

Ah yes… thunderstorms. If ever there was a common fear among so many dogs, it is the dreaded crack of thunder rumbling through our homes during a storm.

Where I’m from, since the warm weather hit, we have had storm after storm after storm. Luckily, my huskies don’t seem to mind them. My human kids on the other hand… but what about the dogs that literally shake and hide with fear during a storm? In my dog groups on FB I have seen so many pleas from people – help, my dog is scared of thunderstorms! So today, I thought we could go over some ways to comfort your dog if they have the oh so common fear of thunder.

• The very first thing everyone needs to do, is be prepared! Keep track of your local weather if you know you have a fearful dog.
• This one’s a tough one… they say the worst possible thing you can do for your dog when they are acting fearful of storms is to try and comfort them. Meaning, don’t attempt to coddle them. This can be rewarding for the dog and just about encourage the behavior. As a dog owner however, I would find it hard to ignore the fact that my dog is terrified. So my recommendation here would be, instead of trying to console your pooch an excessive amount, try taking his mind off of the storm. Play your dog’s favorite game, and keep his attention on you rather than the storm. If he’s not into any games at this point, put a movie on, and have him lay down with you and comfort him just by being there and giving him some extra pets 
• The all too famous Thundershirt. You’ve all heard of it, many people swear by them. But do they work, and what exactly is the point of them? How could clothing possibly help a scared dog? So, the Thundershirt is meant to basically be a big hug for your dog. Putting a comfortable amount of pressure on certain parts of his body in order to calm him. Does it work? For some dogs, yes. Not for all. I have heard amazing success stories from many people, yet others say it made no difference at all. My opinion – depends on the dog, and how bad their fear actually is. Basically, it’s a shot in the dark when you purchase one.
• If you have a dog who is scared of storms, you will have likely noticed there seems to be a spot in the house they go to when it storms. Commonly in the bathroom, or another secluded room. Don’t deny that of your dog. Allow them to have access to their “safe zone” when a storm hits.
• Consider an all natural calming agent. There are plenty on the market, just be sure you get something natural that in no way could harm your dog.
• If there is a room in your house which you know would be the quietest, go in there put a radio or tv on for background noise, and chill there with your pup until the storm passes.

Hopefully, some of these ideas can help someone out there. I know it’s not easy to have a fearful dog. Like I mentioned above, your first and most important thing – is to be prepared for when a storm hits.

Feel fee to leave some tips in the comments, or share your own stories of fearful dogs!

Jenna Drady

Jenna Drady is the author and creator of ownedbyahusky.ca. She is a mother of two beautiful daughters and 3 Siberian Huskies. Being a husky mom for a long duration of her life, Jenna was inspired to begin writing about them. In doing so, she began doing massive research on dog behavior, and all things dog in general. Jenna is inspired everyday by her family, and loves to bring her readers valuable information as well as a little humor too! Jenna has created her own business partnered with her lovely mother while blogging called Pawz N Clawz Jewelry N Things. They currently sell handmade jewelry with added pet charms, as well as a few dog toys too! As an animal rights activist, and huge believer in helping pets who have been stuck in shelters, they donate a portion of their sales to local shelters throughout Canada.