Pets can be just like us when it comes to storms—nervous and jittery. So, how can you tell if your furry friend’s a bit on edge? Look out for signs like hiding in unusual spots, shaking like a leaf, pacing around, or clinging to you more than usual. Sometimes, even the most chill pets can become a bundle of nerves when thunder starts rumbling.
Why Do Pets Get Anxious During Thunderstorms?
Why Do Pets Get Anxious During Thunderstorms?Digging into why storms bug some pets so much involves a bit of science. It’s not just the loud booms that get to them. The changes in barometric pressure and static electricity can also freak them out. It’s like having their very own internal alarm going off.
I had a Miniature Dachshund named Maggie who could smell a thunderstorm a mile away! She’d start getting anxious and I couldn’t understand why until about a half hour later when the thunderstorm started!
Plus, animals have super hearing, so imagine those cracks of thunder in their sensitive ears! What’s loud to us is super-mega-loud to them. That same dog, Maggie, lost her hearing when she got old. I was sad about that, but also relieved for her that she wasn’t as scared during thunderstorms anymore.
Insert huge sigh. It’s painful sometimes to be a pet owner! 🙁
Pets are all different, and so are their stress levels during storms. Some might just get a little uneasy, while others go into full-blown panic mode. It’s important to know your pet’s unique quirks and thresholds. Understanding these can make a world of difference in keeping them calm and happy when the sky’s acting up.
6 Tips for Calming Anxious Pets During a Thunderstorm
6 Tips for Calming Anxious Pets During a ThunderstormWhen the sky gets loud and your pet’s acting like the world’s about to end, follow these tips to help them keep it together!
1. Provide a little bit of (but not too much) comfort. Start with some gentle petting or talking to them in a soft, soothing voice. It might not seem like much, but your presence is a powerful tool for reassurance.
Don’t overdo it. Your making a big deal out will only make it worse.
2. Create a ‘safe spot’ for your pet. This can be a game changer! Find a quiet, cozy corner of your home and set it up with their favorite blankets or toys. This little haven can help them feel more secure when things get noisy outside. It’s like their personal storm bunker where they know they’re protected.
3. Try an anxiety wrap or a thunderstorm shirt. You can check these out on Amazon.
They work like magic for some pets by applying a gentle, constant pressure that can be incredibly calming. It’s like giving them a big hug when they need it the most.
4. Stick with their regular routine. This can be surprisingly reassuring. Pets love predictability, so sticking to their usual meal times or walks can offer a sense of normalcy. If your pet has specific activities that they enjoy, engaging them in those can be a great distraction from the storm antics outside.
Even if you, yourself, are freaked out by the storm, try to just act normal, like nothing’s going on.
5. Explore some calming aids like aromatherapy. Lavender oil, for instance, is often recommended to help chill out anxious pets. It’s a simple tool but can work wonders in creating a more relaxing environment (for you too). There are several aromatherapy products for pets as well.
Keep in mind that things like essential oils and aromatherapies can be toxic to pets. Don’t allow them to be left out where your pet could eat or drink them. Get more safety instructions from the ASPCA’s article, Essential Oil Safety for Pets.
6. Try some soothing sounds. Modern technology offers cool gadgets like white noise machines or special apps that play calming music.
These can help drown out the thunder and may just be the break your pet needs from all the scary sounds.
My dad used to make fun of me for leaving a radio on for that same doxy, Maggie, when I left for work. But it helps pets to not hear every noise; traffic, kids, neighbors. That can help a lot, by the way, if you have a dog who barks a lot when you’re not home.
You can find a lot of videos with soothing sounds for pets on YouTube.
Seek Professional Help for Your Pet’s Thunderstorm Anxiety
Sometimes, calming your pet during a thunderstorm goes beyond just cuddles and comforting spaces.
If your pet’s anxiety starts to feel overwhelming, getting advice from a pet trainer or behaviorist could be the way to go. Professionals can offer personalized strategies to help manage their stress. I can suggest some helpful resources…
Thunderstorm Anxiety Relief for Dogs
Thunderstorm Anxiety Relief for DogsCheck out my articles about dog anxiety:
What is Dog Anxiety? (includes video)
Dog Training for Anxiety (includes 3 helpful videos)
How to Calm Dogs with Anxiety: Symptoms, Causes and Solutions (includes video)
The Dog Calming Code (full review)
Thunderstorm Anxiety Relief for Cats
Thunderstorm Anxiety Relief for CatsCheck out my articles about cat anxiety:
What is Cat Anxiety? (includes video)
Cat Stress Relievers: 10 Things That Stress Your Cat Out (includes video)
Watch cat expert Jackson Galaxy’s video, Calming Your Cat During Fireworks and Storms
Your Vet Can Help With Pet Thunderstorm Anxiety!
When things are tough and other approaches haven’t worked, discussing anti-anxiety medications with your vet is a potential path.
While meds can be super helpful, they come with pros and cons, so it’s all about figuring out what’s best for your pet with a proper professional consult.
For more help about pets who are afraid of thunderstorms, check out this post from, Tips to Help Calm Your Pets During Storms.
I Hope This Helped!
I Hope This Helped!Thank you so much for visiting my website! I hope the tips in this post will help your pet to be more calm during thunderstorms!
Remember that your own calm presence can have a huge impact. When you stay relaxed, it sends a message that there’s really nothing to worry about, and your pet might believe it too!
No matter what’s going on that might scare my pets, I always think my remaining calm makes them think, “If Mommy thinks it’s ok, then it must be ok!”
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You should know I receive a small commission for some of the products and services I recommend on my website. I donate 10% of my earnings to the animal charities shown here. Debra
This is such an important topic for pet owners! Thunderstorms can be incredibly stressful for anxious pets, and it’s great to see practical advice on how to help them feel safe.
The suggestions for creating a calming environment—like using white noise, weighted blankets, or pheromone diffusers—are really useful. Many pet owners underestimate how much a predictable routine and a safe space can reduce anxiety.
One thing I’ve found helpful with my own pet is gradual desensitization—playing low-volume storm sounds and slowly increasing them over time while offering treats and comfort. Has anyone else tried this method, and did it work for your pet? Also, for those who have used calming chews or anxiety wraps, do you feel they make a noticeable difference? Would love to hear more experiences!
The gradual desensitization idea is brilliant! Thanks so much for sharing that, Jacob!
I really loved this article! The tip about creating a “safe spot” is so good. I’ve seen firsthand how much it helps. And the idea of using anxiety wraps? Great! I also appreciate the reminder to stay calm because our pets pick up on our energy. Thanks for sharing these thoughtful tips. It’s helpful for pet parents who want to comfort their furry friends.
Poor babies! I feel so sorry for animals when they get scared and it’s so frustrating that they can’t understand us when we explain what’s happening and tell them it’s ok! Debra