How to Help Your Dog During a Thunderstorm (+ When to Book a Sitter)

Right now:

The Quick Answer

Right now:

Long-term:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs really sense storms before they happen?
Yes. Dogs detect:
Does CBD help with thunderstorm anxiety?
Evidence is mixed but promising. Use pet-specific, lab-tested CBD — and talk to your vet first, especially if your dog is on other medications.
Should I get my dog used to storms by taking them outside?
No. That's called "flooding" and usually makes anxiety worse.
How do I know if it's anxiety vs. just mild discomfort?
Real anxiety includes:
Can storm anxiety get worse over time?
Yes — especially if untreated. It can also generalize to other scary sounds.
What's the best single tool for storm anxiety?
A combination: Thundershirt + white noise + closed blinds + a safe den is the most consistently effective at-home setup.