Calming Your Dog During Thunderstorms

How to Help Your Dog Cope with Thunderstorm Anxiety

Living in Florida, the lightning capital of America, we know a thing or two about storms. And with that lightning comes thunder—a lot of it. Lately, with all the storms rolling through, I thought I’d share some tips on calming your dog during a thunderstorm. Now, I’ve got three dogs at home, each with their own way of dealing with the chaos. First, there’s Ramsey, a 30-pound wiener dog who couldn’t care less if the world was ending outside. Then, there’s my 15-pound wiener and chihuahua mix, who thinks he’s Scrappy-Doo and wants to pick a fight with every thunderclap. And lastly, there’s Tivie, my 65-pound Lab, who somehow thinks she’s a lapdog when the storm hits—never mind the fact that she’s about the size of a small human. Let me tell you, having Tivie try to squeeze into your lap during a storm is an experience.

If you’ve got dogs like mine, you know that thunderstorms can bring out some pretty interesting behavior. But whether your dog is cool like Ramsey, cocky like Scrappy, or terrified like Tivie, there are some ways to help them get through the storm without all the drama.

1. Give Them a Safe Space
First things first, make sure your dog has a spot to retreat to when the thunder starts. Whether it’s their crate or a room they like, having a “safe zone” can help. For Tivie, it’s usually wherever I’m sitting—apparently, I’m her storm bunker. But for others, it might be a crate with a blanket or a quiet corner of the house. I’ve even played some background music to drown out the thunder. Every little bit helps.

2. Desensitize Over Time
I’ve read that you can actually desensitize your dog to the sound of thunderstorms. The idea is to play a recording of thunder at a low volume and slowly turn it up as they get used to it. Now, I haven’t done this with my crew, but I could see it working. Maybe I’ll try it next time Scrappy decides he’s taking on the storm. Just don’t expect instant results—it’s a slow process, but it’s worth it if your dog’s anxiety is through the roof.

3. Stay Cool, No Matter What
Here’s the thing—dogs are like little mirrors. They pick up on everything you’re feeling. So, if you’re stressed, they’ll be stressed. I’ve learned that when the storm hits, the best thing I can do is stay calm. I sit there, act like nothing’s happening, and usually, Tivie settles down a bit. Sure, I’ve got 65 pounds of dog in my lap, but at least she’s not tearing through the house.

4. Offer Comfort—In Moderation
Now, I know some people say you shouldn’t baby your dog when they’re scared, but I don’t buy that 100%. If your dog’s scared, it’s okay to give them a little comfort. Just don’t go overboard with the coddling. A gentle pat or letting them sit next to you can help. For dogs with bigger anxiety issues, something like a Thundershirt might be useful. It’s like a dog-sized hug, and sometimes, that’s all they need.

5. Talk to Your Vet
If your dog’s anxiety is really bad, it might be time to get your vet involved. They can recommend other ways to manage the fear, whether that’s supplements or something stronger. Every dog’s different, so don’t be afraid to ask for help if the storms are just too much.

Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, thunderstorms are just part of life here in Florida. Some dogs handle it like pros, while others lose their minds. Whether your dog is trying to fight the storm or crawl into your lap like Tivie, there are ways to help them through it. Just remember to stay calm, give them a safe spot, and maybe invest in a bigger chair if you’ve got a lapdog in denial like I do.

Thanks for reading,
Jamie Watts
Co-owner of Cherished Pets by Watts

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