Top tips for pets during thunderstorms

Stormy weather can be the cause of a lot of stress for our furry friends. From the changes of pressure to the crashes and bangs of thunder, these changes in the weather can be a source of misery for many dogs and cats. While you can never be sure what the weather will bring, knowing what to do in advance may help relieve some of the stress and anxiety for you and your pet.

Prevention is better than cure

Like it or not, we can’t control the weather – and every year we know we will get storms – so preparing puppies in advance by teaching them that the unexpected noises that come from the sky are nothing to worry about, is important. This is something you can do, under your control, easily and simply, long before the weather changes and the thunder starts rumbling.

By playing recordings of the sounds of storms (the rain, lightning – and of course thunder), you can introduce them in a safe environment at times when your dog is relaxed and doing fun things, and make them just be a normal part of your pup’s life. This way when they happen for real, your dog is far less likely to be bothered about it.

These should be played very quietly to start with, ensuring no reaction, and slowly you can increase the volume as your puppy gets used to them, and play them at unpredictable times – but always when the puppies are doing positive things such as playing or eating.

If you get your puppy from a breeder who has a great socialisation and habituation programme for their puppies, you may well find that this work has already been started for you.

Top tips for dogs when the storms strike

If the forecast is for a storm, try and get your dog out for their daily exercise beforehand so they are relaxed and tired (and also, they don’t have to go out during the storm).
Use the TV or radio to try and mask some of the noise.
If your dog is only slightly worried, distract them with a treat, a game or some training to take their mind off the sounds of the storm.
Don’t try and make your dog face up to their fear. For them it is very real and it is scary. Far better give them somewhere that feels safe – and most dogs find comfort in having a den that they can go to.
Set up a crate or a pen in a quiet corner of the room as far from windows and doors as possible with plenty of comfortable bedding and ideally a cover over the top so the dog has somewhere they can go and hide safely. Provide water and some treats you know your dog likes (although they will probably not be able to eat them). If they choose to use the den, let them stay there as long as they need without disturbing them – but stay close so they can feel your presence and in case they need your comfort.
Ignore the old fashioned and out-dated advice about ignoring your dog when they show fearful behaviour. The thinking used to be that by comforting your dog you were rewarding their fearful behaviour and would make it worse. Thankfully we know far better now… I mean, if you were feeling really scared or panicky would you feel better if your friends, family or loved ones ignored you or told you not to be so stupid? No, you would take comfort from their presence and support – and your dog is exactly the same. Don’t force them to stay with you but if they come to you for comfort or reassurance make sure you give them just that.
Watch the weather forecasts so you can be prepared in advance.

Talk to your vet about calming aids which can help you and your pet get through the stormy seasons. Examples include:

Adaptil diffuser, sprays and collars – which release a synthetic calming pheromone to help relax your pet.
Zylkene and Yucalm are good examples of complimentary natural calming treatments you can give by mouth daily to your pet, to help reduce anxiety and stress.
Adaptil Express stress relief tablets can be administered as little as 2 hours before the required effect.
Pet Remedy is a natural product that is available as a spray, diffuser or an infused wipe.
There are also hugging vests such as Thundershirts. These wearable vests are designed to give your pet the feeling of a comforting hug, like swaddling an infant. The shirt applies gentle and constant pressure and may help calm all types of anxiety, fear and over-excitement issues.
Some dogs will respond well to one or a combination of the aids above, but be guided by your vet, and if our dog’s noise phobia is severe, mediation might be necessary and asking about a behavioural referral might be worth-while.

Top tips for cats

Keeping cats indoors when you know a storm is due is advisable. For cats that spend most of their time outdoors, remember to plan any prolonged indoor stay with the availability of litter trays.

Make sure they have access to food and fresh clean water without leaving their ‘safe area’.

Cats can become behave unpredictably if alarmed or frightened, so for their own safety, keep them indoors during the storm, and ensure cat flaps etc are locked so they cannot escape outside and onto a road if spooked.

Give them plenty of hiding spots, place cardboard boxes with a blanket in in quiet areas of your home. If your cat prefers to hide under the bed for example, leave them be. Trying to control where they hide will cause more stress, so do not confine them to one room, but allow them to choose where they feel the safest.

Make sure they have the opportunity to be with you and get comfort from you – but that needs to be their idea. Don’t force them to stay with you.

Keep windows and curtains closed once a storm is underway.

There are many complimentary calming aids available for cats such as:

Feliway diffusers and sprays – they release a calming pheromone to help relax and calm your cat. Remember to use the diffusers in an area they spend most time in and away from radiators. Sprays can be used on bedding or scratching towers where they spend their time.
Pet Remedy - a natural calming aid that’s uses Valarian and is available in different forms.
Zylkene and Yucalm - good examples of natural calming agents given daily by mouth or in food and can be used alone or in conjunction with another mode of calming such as Feliway.

As always, be guided by your vet with regards to treatment options.

If you are at all concerned about your pet and you're an Agria Pet Insurance policy holder, download the Agria App for free veterinary support.

Last reviewed by expert behaviourist Carolyn Menteith on 9 July 2024.