Help Your Dog Overcome The Fear Of Lightning

Loud noises can scare some dogs. If this is the case with your furry, and a storm is approaching, you must prepare to help him overcome the fear of lightning and thunder. We tell you how.

Thunderstorms can stress dogs

According to a study carried out by professionals from the University of Pensinvalnia, in the USA, and published in the journal Applied Animal Behavior Science , between 15 and 30 percent of dogs have episodes of stress due to fear of lightning and thunder.

For this reason, it has been found that animals that are afraid in these circumstances secrete 200 percent more cortisol hormones, as a response to the stress they are suffering.

Among the reactions of dogs to an electrical storm, we can point out :

• They tremble.
• They hide their tails between their legs.
• They howl.
• They seek to hide in a corner, or under the beds.
• They chew on furniture and other objects.

Know the reasons why some dogs are afraid of lightning and thunder

But why do furry animals react this way to loud noises like those caused by a storm?

Everything seems to indicate that, over centuries of evolution, feeling fear has made it possible for dogs to escape and be safe from many dangers. Thus, the alarm that causes him anguish leads him to seek refuge urgently.

But we must not forget that the developed sense of hearing of dogs also contributes to amplify their fear, since they perceive the noises caused by lightning strikes much more intensely than humans.

Also remember that, because of their great hearing capacity, they warn of the arrival of a storm long before we can do it.

What to do to help a furry man who is frightened by storms

So, in the imminence of an electrical storm, the best thing you can do to help your furry is:

• Keep calm yourself, in order to help your four-legged friend in the best way possible to overcome the fear of lightning and thunder.
• Try to prevent or decrease your dog’s anxiety. For example, seek to distract him and relate the situation to positive experiences, such as games.
• Do not leave it outside the house even if the animal has a place to take refuge in the patio, garden or terrace. Bring him in and place him in the place where the noise reaches the least.

Other options to calm your dog when there is lightning and thunder

To help overcome your furry’s fear of lightning and thunder, you can also :

• Put on the radio or make him listen to some instrumental music that helps him relax.
• Use anti-stress pheromones.  These substances that are marketed emulate those used by female dogs to calm their puppies. In any case, ask your vet.
• Resort to desensitizing treatment. Consult an ethologist about the different techniques used so that your dog can gradually get used to the noises caused by the storm.

Don’t forget to check the weather forecast

One fact to take into account is that 35 percent of the consultations received by the Clinical Ethology Service of the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Zaragoza are related to so-called dog phobias, including fear of storms.

So do not dismiss the issue and if your furry is part of that percentage, better keep an eye on the weather forecasts.

Ideally, the animal should not be alone during a thunderstorm. So if you can’t be with him, ask a friend or relative to come to your house to accompany him and help him to cope with the situation as much as possible.