What makes dogs scared of thunder

Consult your veterinarian so that they can prescribe something to calm your dog during a storm. Lauren at drlauren petside. After a long summer at home with the kids, your dog might have separation anxiety when school starts back. Close Main Navigation Menu. Sign Up Log In. Storm season has arrived in North Texas, and the most intense months for severe weather are just around the corner.

If your dog has Thunderstorm anxiety, follow these tips to help ease his fear. Pet Care. My dog freaks out during a storm. 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. Like humans, dogs feel uneasy when they unexpectedly hear a loud sound, and having background noise helps.

She suggests buying toys that help with chewing or licking like the Lickimat. You can smear the mat with peanut butter, cream cheese, soft bananas, etc. In addition, puzzle toys , kongs filled with peanut butter or kibbles, or anxiety vests are helpful. The best way to soothe your dog is by knowing their body language.

Dogs are really good at communicating with their body language. She may try to escape to a place where the sounds of thunder or firecrackers are less intense. If, by leaving the yard or going into a certain room or area of the house, she feels less afraid, then the escape or destructive behavior is reinforced because it successfully lessens her fear. For some dogs, just the activity or physical exertion associated with one of these behaviors may be an outlet for their anxiety. Things that are present in the environment whenever your dog ears the startling noise can, from her viewpoint, become associated with the frightening sound.

Over a period of time, she may become afraid of other things in the environment that she associates with the noise that frightens her. For example, dogs that are afraid of thunder may later become afraid of the wind, dark clouds and flashes of light that often precede the sound of thunder. Try to create a safe place for your dog to go to when she hears the noises that frighten her. But remember, this must be a safe location from her perspective, not yours.