Your Dog During a Thunderstorm

Storm season is here, and many people are struggling with scared—or even panicked—dogs. How should you react when your dog is afraid of a storm? Can you help in any way?

Give your dog a safe space

Don’t take your dog out for a regular walk during a storm or fireworks. Let them hide at home. If they’re outside in the garden, bring them in. Mask the storm as much as possible—close the curtains, turn on music to muffle the sounds and flashes. Create a hideout—let them into a windowless room, or throw a blanket over a table and let them crawl under. Give them the option to hide under something.

Stay with your dog

There’s a common myth that comforting a scared dog reinforces their fear. Some trainers claim that by doing so, we’re rewarding fearful behavior and teaching the dog to be scared.

Nothing could be further from the truth. A dog’s fear is an emotion, not a behavior. If we punish a dog for being afraid, it won’t stop being afraid. In fact, there are only two reliable ways to increase a dog’s fear: scare them more or start acting scared yourself.

If you’re calm and offer comfort, your dog won’t get more afraid.

When your dog is scared, they need emotional support from you. Show them you’re calm and try to soothe them—pet them, speak in a gentle voice.

Don’t force anything

If your dog seeks comfort, give it. If they’d rather be alone—let them.

Be careful not to unintentionally reinforce unwanted behaviors—like pacing, whining, barking. It’s better to invite the dog to lie down in the cozy hideout you’ve prepared and offer support there.

Use food for distraction

If your dog isn’t extremely stressed, just a bit uneasy, food can help shift their focus.

Have some treats ready. Maybe try a nose game—hide snacks wrapped in paper or towels. When a dog engages their nose, they tune out sights and sounds and naturally calm down.

Find calm canine company

If you know a super calm, storm-proof dog, their presence may help. Even better if there’s more than one. But beware—if the other dog isn’t 100% calm, your dog might pick up on their anxiety.

Ask your vet for help

If your dog is truly terrified and reacts severely to storms, medication might be necessary. There are effective calming options available that can help.

Be cautious with drugs like Sedalin (acepromazyna), which only immobilize the dog without lowering anxiety. They might seem to work, but the dog could be just as scared—or even more so—and simply unable to move.

Fear of storms, fireworks, and sudden loud noises is perfectly natural—just as we’d be afraid of explosions.

It’s our responsibility as guardians to help our dogs feel safe and calm in these situations.

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