How do dogs know when there's going to be a thunderstorm?

Answer 1

A dog is not necessarily sensing the storm, but the changes in the atmosphere that come with it. Usually there will be pressure changes that precede a storm, and most animals, including dogs, are highly sensitive to this. Your dog may also be reacting to temperature changes and other conditions that come with an impending storm.

If your dog doesn't like thunder (as does mine) there are a few ways you can help him out. Letting him in the basement where it will be quieter can help, as well as turning on a radio or television to help block some of the noise.

Answer 2

I've had a few weather predicting dogs over the years. Most have just gotten a bit nervous when they heard the first clap of thunder.

I had a Boston Terrier that could detect a thunderstorm from about 100 miles away and did so for all of her 13 years. When she began to shake and to pace the floor, we knew to check the weather radar and see where the storms were located. In each instance, she could accurately predict the approaching thunderstorm from as far as the Alabama state line.

I think canines are sensitive to barometric changes or even can detect the ozone in the atmosphere that an approaching thunderstorm can cause.

In dogs with a phobia to thunderstorms, their nervousness at an approaching storm causes them to not only be more aware of the barometric changes and odors, but to show their apprehension by their body language.

Answer 3

My dog spent 3 years at University of Newcastle studying Geography, then west to Manchester to do a Masters in meteorology. Then he spent 4 years doing a PHD sponsored by the BBC in Chaos Theory and Predicting Storm fronts.

This is how my dog knows - is this true of all dogs?

Answer 4

A dogs nose is a 1000 times more sensitive then a humans, my guess would be this has something to do with it. But, not being a dog I would not know for sure =)

Answer 5

Marshal and Alpha One are right; its not magic or psychic ability, its just the change in air pressure. They can also smell the rain coming.
Animals that predict earthquakes are probably reacting to a change in the electromagnetic field that takes place before the main shock.

Answer 6

Um. I think they can sense the rising air pressure, like barometers do. And swallows, who are known to fly low if the weather with turn bad. I mean, most people can feel that too, if they listen to their bodies; as dogs have little else to do, they just pay attention.

Answer 7

Dog's hearing and smell is far better than us thay can smell the change in the air and thay can hear the thunder along way off.

Answer 8

Wish I knew cause my dog is terrified of the thunder and for about 2 hours before one starts she is really nervous and panicky, she also eats a bit of grass too before thunder, I guess they just sense it coming, wish I could so I could try stop her worrying about thunder so much.

Answer 9

Animals always had a sense of natural disaster! they knew when hurricaine kat was going to hit! thats why they fled! but human dont have that sense! its like telekinesis!

Answer 10

Sonar. Hearing is super-sensitive.