Why is my dog afraid of storms?

Question

My dog is scared to death when it storms, especially thunder. He tries to climb in closet, under beds (a german shephard) and whines and shakes. I have heard other people talk about this same thing with there dog but nobody ever has any answers or solutions.

He also acts this way hours prior to a storm as if he knows it is coming. I can tell because he only has this reaction to storms. No, im not saying he is psychic. curious if the fact that animals have alot stronger senses than us has anything to do with this???

Answer 1

Jules,

Some Dogs have fear of storms. This shows they are individuals also. My German Shepherd Female is scared of going into Car Washes with me and she trembles, so I won't take her with me when I wash my truck. I won't put her through this.

Of course storms you have no control over. I'd just talk him through it when the Thunder booms and comfort him. Sit with him and pet and reassure him.

My other German Shepherd (Male) has not exhibited any fears of anything. My female Rottweiler shows no fears either.

I know several people that have dogs that fear Storms. Well, at least 6 people. Different breeds and genders of dogs. Most have shared they too comfort their dog, or have a safe place to take safe haven to like under a bed or something if it makes them feel better.

I've never heard of any treatments or remedies for fears of Storms.

**ADDED** Dogs and most animals as a rule have excellent presentiments to events such as storms. Yes, actually in a way it is as if they are Psychic just as Birds or other animals can sense a Tornado or Earthquake before it happens. Some Dogs just seem more hyper-vigilant, and actually, if you think about it,......a real severe storm could and does scare people and dogs alike that normally don't seem bothered by one or those of us that enjoy a nice Thunderstorm.

Maybe your dog just has a lower threshold to succumbing to the fears of storms. He'll be okay, and live fine through this I'm sure.

BY THE WAY- "F*E*A*R is an Instinct and is NOT a Behavior! How the dog responds to such fear is the Behavior Part. You cannot trump instinct and it's best to show comfort.

The 2 Answerers below me don't know squat. It's not like the dog is acting badly, and giving it comfort and soothing it is reassuring their fear which is not Behavior. Get a Clue!

What do you do with your Kids if they are scared? Ignore them and say you are just reassuring their fear of the dark, sounds, being alone by comforting them? (Directed at 2 below me). Showing a kid you are not scared doesn't do much for them. They respond best first to addressing their fear. A Dog isn't too much from a child in many ways, that's why they fit in our homes and interact with us so well. Shallow minds think shallow thoughts.

Answer 2

Dog Afraid Of Storms

Answer 3

A lot of dogs have storm fear, believe it or not most are labs and German shepherds. Weird but true. There is an herbal remedy that you can use, some holistic vets sell it, for anxiety and there is also Ace.( I can't spell its whole name, but they know what you mean when you say ace.) A lot of time its just the noise that bugs them. But I've seen dogs freak out hours before the storm comes, just from anticipation.

There are some non medical ways that you can try first though:linked below..I hope)) Good Luck

Answer 4

i think i may have the answer. Basically it is a natural fear. There is not really anything you can do about it except comfort your german shepard when the storm occurs. Remember when you were small and you were afraid of storms? Well your dog basically is the same. He just needs to get used to it. I hope that helped.

Answer 5

Comforting the dog is actually one of the worst things you can do. When you comfort, the dog's belief that something scary is going on is reinforced. You're letting him know that he has a reason to be scared.

I'm not saying you should be mean to your dog, though. Interact with him and try to take his mind off things. Let him see that you're not scared, and he's likely to relax a bit because he trusts you as the leader. Just avoid, "Oh, poooor wittle dogie, ooooh, it's ok" type of stuff.

If that fails, get him to the vet and get some anxiety meds prescribed.

Added & Edited: The Sylvan Wizard, I wasn't addressing you, I was answering the question asked. In fact, I didn't even read what you had writen until I saw my name float by. Then, I read the last few paragraphs and mistakenly thought that was it..lol. You sure have a lot to say.

I was a vet tech, too. In fact, that was my first job ever. Now, I work as a receptionist in an emergency animal hospital and am a third year nursing student. You might not want to take things so personally.

Answer 6

They have the same fears we do, except theirs can be worse because they don't understand that it's storming. Their hearing is also very sensitive. So they are hearing it at a much deeper level than we do. My border collie mix & my 5 yr old daughter we're cowered in the living room the other day when we had a storm and a loud clap came. I went in to find them & cuddled up with both until the noise stopped. Poor babies- They just don't understand.

Answer 7

Dogs are like us, they get afraid too, my dog does, the best thing to do is stay with your dog, I know for one my dog feels comforted around people during storms. Good luck with that!

Answer 8

some dogs have phobias just like people this one is pretty common. Ur local vet can give him some pills to take when storms are going to be in the area (form of valium or zanax) . it won't sedate him but it should mellow him out.

most owners hate to put their dogs on this type of drug but really it's a really low dose.

Answer 9

Hi I have heard of many dogs that are terrified of storms my moms dogs are terrifired of them. But I did find this link helpful. Hope it helps

Answer 10

i have never had a dog that didnt freak out over the thunderstorms, i had a rott one time that was the biggest baby when it came to the storms and we would let him in to shut him up and he would allways go get in the bathtub and lay down and stay clam. some dogs freak cause they since danger.