Perhaps you know the drill: A flash of lightning, a clap of thunder, and your
normally calm dog is off whining and wildly searching for a hiding place. Animal
behaviorists call this reaction “storm anxiety”
or “noise phobia.”

And while it’s pretty common in dogs, it’s hardly easy to watch — or cure.
But don’t ignore it, advises Matt Peuser, a Kansas veterinarian, explaining
“Most of the time, they don’t grow out of it on their own, and many will get
worse with time if nothing is done.”

Yet many owners are stumped about how to address the behavior. One reason is
that no one has pinned down exactly what triggers it. It’s highly probable that
pets with noise phobia also suffer from separation anxiety, according to a
Cornell University study of 1,644 dogs.

On the other hand, your pet can seem fine for years, and then suddenly one
day just starts whining and pacing before you even realize it’s going to rain.
Experts think your little guy might be responding to a combination of barometric
pressure changes that you don’t feel and low-frequency rumbles that you can’t
hear. Joint pain can be another silent pre-storm trigger for older arthritic
dogs.

If you learn some calming techniques now, you can help your best friend,
regardless of whether the reaction seems out of character. Remember that even if
storm anxiety crops up suddenly, treatments tend to take time to work. Usually,
the time is worth it and can help you avoid having to use anti-anxiety drugs —
not every anxious dog needs medication to cope.

“We have our best luck with a management plan that includes changing some
features in the environment, applying some behavior modification techniques and
some medication,” says Barbara Sherman, Ph.D., D.V.M., and an associate
professor of veterinary behavior at North Carolina State University College of
Medicine. Likewise, you shouldn’t rely on just one solution. Instead, try a
combination of the ones we’ve gathered here — and repeat them often.1. Always reward calm behavior. Don’t wait for your dog to act fearful to give her
attention. When you console a whimpering dog you’re actually rewarding the
unwanted behavior. So instead, praise her and shower her with affection
when she’s completely calm. That way she knows that this is the correct way to
behave.
2. Use a Thundershirt when it’s not raining. Lots of owners make the mistake of putting
their dogs in these snug-fitting calming jackets (other brands include Storm
Defender and Anxiety Wrap) after a storm has begun. In fact, having Rover wear
the shirt before a storm hits, when he’s already happy and relaxed, will help
him associate the sensation of wearing it with feeling calm.
3. Create a safe, storm-proof place for your pet. Pay attention to where your pet goes
when a storm starts. If possible, help make this her permanent safe zone by
adding a blanket, toy, or water dish. Crates can be safe spots, but a key
feature should be that it’s as far away from storm sounds as possible.