Thunderstorms are pretty scary for most of us, but for dogs, they can be terrifying: extremely loud thunder, very high winds, and lightning – storms must seem horrendous for our canine friends. In fact, a reported 30% of our canine companions are scared of thunderstorms, and many suffer from thunderstorm anxiety.
But according to Andrew Leal, CEO of pet insurance company Waggel, pet owners can help them weather storms better with this one simple exercise.
Dog Hearing v Human Hearing
If you’ve ever wondered why dogs sometimes behave more like cats when it comes to thunderstorms, it’s all about their hearing.
Not only can dogs hear sounds that are beyond the frequency range of human hearing, but dogs’ hearing is also much more sensitive than ours. This means that for them, thunder is far more extreme, both in low register range and amplitude.
While we can hear something of average loudness 50-100 feet away, dogs can hear similar things up to and over half a mile away, depending on conditions. This means they can hear the thunder sooner, too, which allows more time for their fear to grow.
If storms are even remotely frightening for us, imagine what they’re like for dogs! The emotional stress storms place on them – specially when they are young – can be immense. This emotional stress impacts their behaviour, and not in a good way.
What can we do to help?
Expert Andrew Leal Shares His Thoughts
According to Leal, “It’s natural for animals to be scared of storms, which can be very threatening. Dogs don’t understand what’s happening, and that the storm will soon end, so for them, thunderstorms can be terrifying. There’s a lot we can do to assist them though.”
Sound Training
Preparing your dog for storms can actually help them cope better with storms.
“Playing artificial storm sounds to them for 30 minutes each day is key to this preparation,” says Leal. “This storm sound should be played at a low volume initially, and gradually increased to help desensitise the dog to the sound in a manageable way.”
Over days and weeks, the volume of these artificial storm sounds should be increased, so that the dog adjusts to increasingly louder storm sounds.
“Be careful not to overload them though. They have very sensitive hearing – so if the sound is becoming too much for you in intensity or duration, it is most likely becoming too much for your dog to handle! Small steps are key,” says Leal.
Additional Tips for Thunderstorm Anxiety
As well as aural storm training, dog owners can use other comforting tools to treat their dog’s fear or anxiety over storms. Leal recommends:
- A Thunder Shirt: A snug-fitting garment that applies gentle, constant pressure to calm anxiety, fear, and over-excitement.
- Calming Treats: Special treats containing ingredients like chamomile or L-theanine can help reduce anxiety.
- Creating a Safe Space: Set up a cosy, quiet area where your dog can retreat during storms. This could be a crate covered with a blanket or a quiet room.
- Distraction Techniques: Use toys, games, or low-volume music to divert your dog’s attention from the storm.
- Staying Calm: Dogs often pick up on their owner’s emotions, so remain calm and act normally during the storm.
- Closing Curtains: This can help muffle the sound and block out lightning flashes.
- Positive Reinforcement: Reward calm behaviour during storms with treats or praise.
Even if you live in an area where storms are rare, start training your dog to manage them sooner rather than later. Consistency and patience will bear fruit, and prepare your canine buddy for the worst the weather can throw at them, proactively.
“Your four-legged friend may thank you for your help with managing storms in that way dogs do – with an extra portion of dog-love! Helping them get storms licked is all part of looking after them properly. Remember, every bit of effort you put into storm-proofing your pup pays off in tail wags and cuddles,” Leal says.
How do you usually calm your dog during a thunderstorm?
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