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Summer afternoons often bring heavy thunderstorms, and for many dogs, that means hiding in fear. But why are dogs so scared of thunder? In this article, we’ll walk you through the reasons behind thunder fear in dogs, the reactions you might notice, and 4 handy tips to help your dog stay calm \u2014 plus some desensitization training you can do on a regular basis. We hope this helps pet owners better understand how to ease their dog’s anxiety and fear when the thunder rolls in.<\/p>\n
The main reason is that dogs have far sharper senses than humans \u2014 they can hear frequencies up to 3 times higher than we can, which means loud sounds are a much bigger stimulus for them. Beyond the sound of thunder itself, a dog’s fear may also be linked to changes in air pressure, lightning flashes, and the smell of a storm. All of these factors can leave dogs feeling anxious and unsettled during a thunderstorm.<\/p>\n
When a dog is scared of thunder, they may display some out-of-the-ordinary behaviors. Here are 5 common fear responses to watch for \u2014 knowing these can help you better read your dog’s emotions:<\/p>\n
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Now that you know why dogs fear thunder and what reactions to expect, what can you actually do to help? Here are 4 practical tips to guide you through those stormy moments with your furry friend:<\/p>\n
Avoid giving your dog excessive comfort or scolding when they’re scared. If you stay calm and relaxed during a thunderstorm, your dog will pick up on that energy and get the sense that thunder is no big deal. Over time, they may react much less intensely when storms hit!<\/p>\n
Before the storm hits, spend some time with your dog \u2014 give them a gentle pet, and set up a cozy spot with a small bed or blanket where they can retreat and feel safe when they’re frightened.<\/p>\n
When your dog starts getting anxious from the thunder, try offering a treat or engaging them in a game. Redirecting their focus can help ease that anxious energy.<\/p>\n
During a storm, close the windows and doors to muffle the sound of thunder, then turn on the TV or play some music. Surrounding your dog with familiar sounds can help keep them grounded and calm.<\/p>\n
Playing thunder sounds at a low volume during calm, everyday moments can help your dog gradually get used to the noise. Watch your dog’s reaction closely \u2014 if they seem comfortable, slowly increase the volume over time. With regular desensitization training, your dog can learn to associate thunder with something normal, so the next storm won’t feel nearly as scary.<\/p>\n
Just like us, dogs can feel scared when faced with something unfamiliar. When your furry friend is frightened by thunder, offering the right kind of care and emotional support can make a world of difference. And don’t forget \u2014 taking your dog for regular walks is a great way to release built-up stress from storm anxiety too!<\/p>\n
Further reading:<\/p>\n
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