First, do not ignore your dog during storms. This advice used to be given because it was believed that attention during storms would reward the fearful behavior. As above, this is simply false. Ignoring a fearful, panicky dog deprives him of whatever comfort and psychological support you can give him.
Distract him from the noise by giving your dog attention in the form of something he likes – throwing a ball, brushing his hair, sharing popcorn. Try a Thundershirt – This snug shirt wraps around your dog and applies gentle, constant pressure, similar to swaddling a baby. It can sooth some dogs into a calmer state.
The best thing you can do for your dog is to let them go to their safe space, and not punish them for any behavior during thunderstorms, including destruction and whining. Miller explains that dogs like going to a space like their crate or a dark closet during a thunderstorm because it's familiar and soothing.
In the winter, desensitize your dog to the sounds of a storm. Play a CD of thunder recordings at low enough levels that don't frighten your dog, while giving them treats or playing a game. Gradually increase the volume over the course of several months, stopping if your dog shows any signs of anxiety.
A: Many dogs are afraid of thunder simply because they do not understand what it is. Dogs hear this loud noise and perceive it as something threatening. Some dogs try to go under tables, in bathtubs, or in any other place that makes them feel secure.
Be home with your dog
Your dog will be much more fearful if left alone during a thunderstorm. So, if you have predicted that a storm will occur, be home with your dog at that time if at all possible of have someone care for your dog.
Although this fear is most apparent in dogs who are 1 to 5 years old, Sinn says it can also be seen in pups as young as 9 weeks of age.
Fear of thunderstorms – formally called astraphobia – is surprisingly common in dogs; some experts estimate that up to 30 percent are affected with it to some degree or another.
Static electricity.
“Specialists now understand that static electricity is felt by dogs through their fur, generating an unpleasant tingling sensation,” he says. “For this reason, pets feel agitated and seek a spot they hope might isolate them from the static charges.”
Fear of thunderstorms is a common problem for many dogs. Common signs of thunderstorm fear include hiding, shaking, trembling, crying or whining, pacing, drooling, urinating/defecating, panting, or trying to escape from the house.
We often hear of many people saying if your dog is upset or stressed in the storm to ignore them or to not give them treats or comfort. If they are scared and they need a cuddle to help them calm down, you can definitely give them a cuddle.
You should always contact your vet if your dog is behaving in a strange way or if you are concerned about their health. If your dog is showing other signs, is shaking a lot or has been shaking for a while you should contact your vet immediately.
Thunderstorm phobia or anxiety in dogs is a fairly common and very real problem for many dogs. Dogs with thunderstorm phobia may become extremely frantic and overwhelmed with fear during storms. Astraphobia is the technical term for this: the fear of thunder and lightning.
Herding dogs, such as collies and German shepherds, and hounds, such as beagles and basset hounds, seem to be more likely to develop a storm phobia than other dogs. The phobia is also common in sporting and working breeds. The study suggests that this tendency may be explained in terms of the dogs' genetics.
Dropping barometric pressure—which dogs can sense—coupled with darkening skies, wind, and the sheer noise of thunder can cause fearful reactions in dogs.
Licking is a natural and instinctive behaviour to dogs. For them it's a way of grooming, bonding, and expressing themselves. Your dog may lick you to say they love you, to get your attention, to help soothe themselves if they're stressed, to show empathy or because you taste good to them!
Also known as “the fear of situations period,” this phase typically corresponds to a dog's growth spurts (and sexual maturation, in intact puppies). It's a normal developmental period during which new things seem scary, even if they didn't used to (source).
Teach your dog the sit-stay and down-stay commands using positive reinforcement. This training will help them learn that they can remain calmly and happily in one place while you go to another room. Exercise and mental stimulation are critical to reducing anxiety and stress.
Natural Dog Health Remedies suggests valerian, chamomile, and passionflower have calming properties effective in helping canine insomnia. Combine equal parts of valerian and passionflower (or chamomile) and give 4 to 8 drops of the herbal mixture to your dog (depending on his size).
When a dog wears a calming cap, it can't look at the sight before the eyes, it can effectively calm the dog, and it will not cause anxiety.
Others may like to cuddle up on their owners lap. Dogs that are scared of storms are more likely to seek the comfort and love of their human when they feel that bad weather is approaching. Dogs that are scared of storms are more likely to seek comfort and love of their owner when they sense a storm.
Should you play soothing music for your dog during fireworks and thunderstorms? These noises can be stressful for many dogs, so playing a favorite tune can help distract them from the noises outside and keep them calm. Music can help mask the sound of fireworks or thunderstorms.