How to Help Your Dog During a Thunderstorm (+ When to Book a Sitter)
Right now:
The Quick Answer
Right now:
- Create a safe, enclosed "den" (closet, bathroom, crate with blanket over it)
- Play white noise or calming music
- Close blinds to block flashes
- Stay calm yourself — dogs mirror your energy
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.