Because your loyal buddy trusts you, there are some ways you can soothe them. The key is understanding the source of those fears. "The fear of thunder often stems from a dog's acute sensitivity to loud noises, bright flashes, changes in barometric pressure and even the static electricity associated with thunderstorms," explains Dr. Brad Hinsperger, DVM, who specializes in small animal medicine and surgery at Kingsdale Animal Hospital in Ontario.
How do you calm a dog scared of thunder?
Don't worry! The next time you see a storm on the horizon, follow these tips as advised by veterinary experts—they'll feel safe and protected till the skies have cleared:
Create a Safe Space
"Dogs descended from wolves and were in dens, and so they still like den-like environments," explains certified professional dog trainer Trista Miller. "If they're in an enclosed space where they are comfortable and familiar, that's going to be more soothing to them." A dog may immediately try and hide in their crate or in a closet when they feel or hear a storm.
If your dog doesn't already have a natural safe space already, you can create one. Choose somewhere quiet and relatively small and close curtains and blinds to hide the lightening flashes. Dr. Hinsperger also suggests adding their favorite toys and a comfortable place to rest like a dog bed to make it more inviting. Identifying an enclosed area also makes it easier on you if your dog manifests its anxiety by chewing or being destructive.
Stay Calm
"Dogs are incredibly attuned to human emotions," says Dr. Hinsperger, adding "If you stay calm and act normally during a storm, this can help signal to your dog that there's no reason to be afraid."
Miller adds that "talking in a soothing manner, and, if your dog likes it, pet them in long, calming strokes" helps, too.
Try adding white noise like soft classical music to set a calm scene. "There are even playlists designed specifically for calming anxious dogs," Dr. Hinsperger suggests. You can also try CBD or calming treats or a calming vest, which applies gentle pressure like swaddling a baby or using a weighted blanket as an adult.
Divert Their Attention
Giving dogs their favorite toys and playing music also provide a secondary benefit: They distract your dog from the scary sights and sounds going on around them. Divert their attention with things that they love like playing fetch or having a treat. "If your dog gets destructive, chewing and licking are self-soothing behaviors," Miller adds. "If your dog naturally tends to do those things when they're upset, giving them positive outlets for that can be really helpful." Try a LickiMat or a chew toy filled with peanut butter.
Overall, try and be patient with your pup... and yourself! It might take some time to find just the right mix of these tips to calm down your dog. After all, every dog has their own personality, fears, and anxieties, just like you. But they look to you to feel safe, and you'll do right by them to help soothe them the best you can.