Thunderstorm Phobia in Dogs

Thunderstorm Phobia in Dogs - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost

What is Thunderstorm Phobia?

Thunderstorm phobia is a very real problem for many dogs and their owners. Because there are so many factors that make up a thunderstorm, it’s hard to know if your dog is only reacting to one thing, or if the whole host of elements is causing the anxiety. Many times dogs that exhibit thunderstorm phobia are also fearful of other loud noises, like fireworks. Thunderstorm phobia can have extreme effects on the physical well being of a dog as the panic can produce rapid heartbeat, hyperventilation, and a fight-or-flight response so urgent the animal can injure itself. If your dog is exhibiting signs of thunderstorm phobia, there are many options for treatment, from psychological behavior modification techniques to sedatives and anti-anxiety medications. If left untreated, this phobia has a tendency to only worsen over time.

Thunderstorm Phobia is the term used to describe the overwhelming panic and anxiety some dogs exhibit before and during a thunderstorm. It is different from a fear, as the fear response is usually brought on by real danger, and the phobic response is due to perceived danger.

Thunderstorm Phobia Average Cost

From 367 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,500

Average Cost

$450

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Symptoms of Thunderstorm Phobia in Dogs

  • Hiding in a confined space
  • Trembling and shaking
  • Barking, howling and whining
  • Restlessness and pacing
  • Incontinence
  • Drooling
  • Destructive behavior
  • Clinging to humans nearby
  • Dilated pupils
  • Rapid Heartbeat
  • Panting and hyperventilating
  • Seeking an escape

Causes of Thunderstorm Phobia in Dogs

Many factors contribute to thunderstorm phobia. Dogs who exhibit a fear of other loud noises will often react negatively to thunder, too. The bright flash of lightning, the sound of high wind and rain, smell of ozone from lightning strikes, change in barometric pressure, and even the static charge built up during a thunderstorm can bring about panic in dogs susceptible to this phobia. Dogs may even start to show signs of a fear reaction before a thunderstorm starts, as their ears are much more attuned to low-frequency noises that humans aren’t able to hear.

Many times this anxiety is evident in puppies, and will only worsen over time without proper treatment. There may even be a genetic element to thunderstorm phobia; if one of the puppies’ parents exhibits phobic anxiety, it’s likely that the offspring will have the same issue. It has been demonstrated that herding breeds may have more of a genetic predisposition to this issue than other dogs.

Diagnosis of Thunderstorm Phobia in Dogs

As this is a situational issue, your veterinarian will rely heavily on history and your observations of your dogs’ behavior during storms for a diagnosis (unless your appointment just happens to coincide with a thunderstorm). They can do some in-office tests to check the dogs’ fear response to noises and other unusual stimuli. Your veterinarian will also likely do a quick physical exam to ensure the dog has not harmed itself or experienced any physiological complications from the intense fear reaction.

Treatment of Thunderstorm Phobia in Dogs

Dogs should begin treatment as soon as this problem is recognized, as it will only get worse as they age. Your veterinarian can recommend a course of behavior modification and desensitization to lessen your dog’s anxiety during thunderstorms. Playing the sound of storms at a quiet level while giving the dog treats has been known to work in some cases. As the dog remains relaxed and has a pleasant association, the volume can be increased, and treats continued until they are no longer fearful of loud noises.

Your veterinarian may determine that your dog could benefit from anti-anxiety medications or a sedative to be used when a thunderstorm is eminent. Some owners have also had success with dog “wraps” that can comfort the dog by giving them a sense of being swaddled in a protective way. These products are available through many retail outlets and can even have the bonus of offering your dog protection from a static buildup in their fur.

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Recovery of Thunderstorm Phobia in Dogs

The best management of this condition is being attentive to it. If your dog seeks shelter, make sure it has access to a safe place to hide at all times, like a covered, padded crate that always stays open. When the threat of thunderstorms is in the forecast, give your dog any medication that has been prescribed beforehand, and go ahead and get them in a dog wrap if you find it works for you. Turning on all the lights and covering windows will lessen the effects of lightning flash indoors. Lastly, it’s best not to try and confine the dog, as this can exacerbate a panic response and cause them to possibly injure themselves or damage property trying to escape.

Thunderstorm Phobia Average Cost

From 367 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,500

Average Cost

$450

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Thunderstorm Phobia Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals

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Woodle

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Charley

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8 Years

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3 found this helpful

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3 found this helpful

I took my dog for a walk a few weeks ago and thunder started.I tried to settle her as we were on our way home. ever since then it is really hard to get her to go for a walk. If it is sunny and clear and she can not sense anything she will go, however the last few days there has been stormy weather on and off and she will not go for a walk. should I get her some rescue remedy or the thunderstorm blanket wrap...any suggestions? She loves to walk normally...eats raw and is healthy. thanks Michelle

Aug. 7, 2018

3 Recommendations

We have a training guide (linked below) on training a dog to stop being afraid of thunder, you should have a read through that guide and the second guide below on stop being fearful; if you have any follow up questions there is a section on both guides where you can ask a certified dog trainer a follow up question. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM https://wagwalking.com/training/stop-being-afraid-of-thunder https://wagwalking.com/training/stop-being-fearful

Aug. 8, 2018

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Scoland Terrier

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Misty

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4 Years

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2 found this helpful

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2 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Hyperv
Hi my dog had tremour syndrome 2years ago and since then she has been really bad when there is a thunderstorm or fireworks she is almost hyperventilating and then she is sick. Last year when we were in Spain were she has come with us for 4years we were sat at restaurant she started doing it there as well and that was with out any loud noises. I Fill so sorry for her do you no what I can do? Kind regards Elliot Woods

May 26, 2018

Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM

2 Recommendations

There are medications that you can give Misty before a thunderstorm to help with her fears. Alprazolam is one, but there are many anti-anxiety medications available. It would be a good idea to have an appointment with your veterinarian and have her assessed so that they can prescribe a medication to help her. I hope that she does well.

May 26, 2018

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Thunderstorm Phobia Average Cost

From 367 quotes ranging from $200 - $1,500

Average Cost

$450

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