Thunderstorms can be fascinating to watch, but for many dogs, they are a source of intense fear and anxiety. Dogs with storm phobia may show some concerning behavior—such as trembling, hiding, whining, pacing, or even trying to escape.
This kind of fear can be distressing not only for the dog but also for their owner. Understanding why your dog reacts this way will be the first step when it comes to helping them feel more at ease during a storm.
In this article, we’ll discuss why dogs are afraid of thunderstorms, review some calming products for dogs that can help, and share some tips on how to make storms less stressful for your furry family member. Let’s get started!
Best Calming Supplements for Dogs
Let’s start off by talking about some of the best calming supplements for dogs that Under the Weather has to offer. If your dog gets anxious during thunderstorms, or even during the Fourth of July or New Years (due to fireworks), there are a few calming supplements you can give them. Let’s take a closer look below:
Calming Soft Chews for Dogs
If your dog gets nervous during storms, you might want to consider giving them these calming soft chews. These chews are formulated by veterinarians, and they include plenty of natural ingredients that are known to ease anxiety—like green tea extract and spearmint.
The chicken liver flavor will certainly make these chews more appealing to your dog, too. You can give them to your dog once or twice a day (depending on your dog’s size), or simply offer them one as a treat before a thunderstorm starts.
Your dog might see this as positive reinforcement over time, and should become less stressed out by storms (this isn’t guaranteed, though). The ingredients in Under the Weather’s Calming Soft Chews for Dogs include: Green tea extract, spearmint, chicken liver powder, and natural preservatives.
Directions for Use: For dogs up to 50 lbs, give 1 chew daily. Dogs over 50 lbs should receive 2 chews daily. These chews are super easy to administer, and they’re made with safe, natural ingredients. This is why they’re such a great choice for pet parents who are looking for a simple, easy way to manage their dog’s anxiety—especially during storms.
Calming Powder for Dogs
Under the Weather’s Calming Powder for dogs is another option that may work well, especially if your dog prefers taking their supplements mixed with food (rather than in pill or chew form).
This powder contains L-theanine and chamomile—both of which have calming properties. You feel calm when you drink chamomile tea, right? This supplement works in the same way.
Directions for Use: It should be very easy to sprinkle this powder over your dog’s food (it’s a great choice for picky eaters). The ingredients include L-theanine, chamomile, ginger, and brewer’s yeast.
If you have a small dog (under 25 lbs), 1 scoop daily should suffice. Dogs 25-50 lbs should get 2 scoops daily, and larger dogs (over 50 lbs) should get 3 scoops daily.
Why Dogs Are Afraid of Thunderstorms
Have you ever wondered why dogs are afraid of thunderstorms? Fear of loud noises may be the obvious answer, but there are actually a lot of different reasons why your dog might cry, hide, or try to escape during storms. Let’s take a closer look at some of the main reasons why dogs are afraid of thunderstorms below:
Sensitivity to Noise
Dogs have highly sensitive hearing, and the loud noises from thunderstorms can be overwhelming. They hear frequencies beyond what humans can, so a distant rumble to us might be deafening for them.
Vibrations and Barometric Pressure
Apart from noise, dogs can sense vibrations and changes in barometric pressure. These physical sensations can make them anxious even before the storm begins, as they can feel it approaching.
Static Electricity
Did you know that thunderstorms create a buildup of static electricity in the air? This can lead to static shocks, especially in dogs with thick fur or long coats. Unfortunately, this may add to a dog’s fear during thunderstorms.
Negative Past Experiences
If a dog has had a frightening experience during a storm—like getting wet or being startled by thunder — they may develop a phobia. Dogs are quick to associate specific situations with negative outcomes.
Lack of Control and Unpredictability
Most (if not all) dogs rely on routine and predictability. The erratic sounds and flashes of lightning that happen during a thunderstorm can make them feel unsafe because they don’t understand why a sudden change in their routine is happening.
How to Choose the Right Calming Product for Your Dog
Picking out a calming product for your dog is easier said than done because there are lots of options out there. Here are some things you should take into consideration when it comes to shopping for calming supplements for dogs:
Ingredients
Check the ingredients label for natural, safe ingredients. You should avoid giving your dog supplements that contain artificial colors, flavors, or unnecessary fillers. These things could potentially cause problems, especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach.
Ease of Use
Make sure to choose a calming product that your dog will readily accept, whether it’s a chew, powder, or wrap. This process will require some trial and error, but you’re bound to find something that works for your dog eventually.
Effectiveness
It’s always a good idea to look for products with proven results, too. By reading reviews online (and consulting with your vet, of course), you’ll be able to find the best solution possible for your dog.
Benefits of Calming Products for Dogs
Are you wondering whether calming products actually work for dogs during thunderstorms? If your dog is especially anxious during storms, you might feel like nothing could possibly help them. Don’t fret, though, because calming products actually offer several benefits for anxious dogs, including:
Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Ingredients like chamomile, green tea extract, and L-theanine can help lower stress levels in dogs. Giving your dog calming products may be the best way to help your fur baby relax when a storm (or some other stressful event) is happening.
Promote Relaxation
Anxiety wraps can make dogs feel secure, much like a swaddled baby. Yes, this isn’t a supplement, but it’s a calming product that can really help.
Easy to Use
Many products are super easy to administer. You can mix powdered supplements into your dog’s food or even offer them calming chews during or before a thunderstorm.
Improve Quality of Life
Managing anxiety during thunderstorms can make life more comfortable for both the dog and the owner.
How to Calm a Dog During a Thunderstorm
Now that we’ve talked about why some dogs experience fear during thunderstorms—and some supplements you can give to your dog to help calm their nerves—let’s discuss some of the best ways to calm your dog down during a thunderstorm:
Create a Safe Space
Set up a secure, quiet area in your home where your dog can retreat during a storm. This could be a crate, a bathroom, or a small room without windows. Cover the crate with a blanket to create a den-like atmosphere.
Use Soothing Sounds
Play calming music or white noise to drown out the sounds of thunder. Soft, consistent sounds can help create a calming environment. Many dogs respond well to classical music, so you can try playing that during a storm.
Offer Comfort
Some dogs may seek out their owners for comfort during a storm. Gently petting or cuddling your dog can help them feel safe. Be calm and reassuring without making a big fuss, as excessive attention could reinforce anxious behavior.
Use Calming Supplements and Wraps
Using calming supplements, like the Calming Soft Chews or Calming Powder, can help reduce your dog’s anxiety. Additionally, try using anxiety wraps, which mimic the feeling of being held and can provide comfort.
Seek Professional Help If Necessary
If your dog's fear of thunderstorms is severe, consider consulting a professional trainer or a veterinary behaviorist. They can offer specialized strategies and may suggest additional treatments, like anti-anxiety medications, if necessary.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, storm phobia in dogs is super common, but it can be managed with the right approach. Now that you understand the potential reasons behind your dog’s fear, you can use strategies like creating a safe space, using calming products, and providing your dog with comfort and reassurance during storms.
Keep in mind, though, that every dog is different. You’ll need to be patient and experiment with different things to figure out what works best for your furry friend. Consider trying calming supplements or anxiety wraps to see if they help your dog feel more relaxed during storms.
Make sure to ask your vet about any calming products before giving them to your dog. That way, you’ll be able to make sure that you’re choosing the right product for your furry companion. Interested in learning more?
