Background and Clinical Signs
A storm phobia is clinically defined as this type of fear response, meaning it is out of proportion to the actual danger posed and interferes with normal functioning.
What is maladaptive fear response?
North MN. and Bennett SL. Storm phobia in dogs. Today’s Vet Pract. Published June 20, 2025. Accessed July 14, 2026. https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/behavior/storm-phobia-in-dogs/
These designated, easily accessible, and quiet areas in the home are considered essential "first steps" for any storm-phobia treatment plan. Nearby white noise machines, fans, background television, or music can be used to reduce auditory triggers like thunder. Additional elements can include a soft bed, favorite toys, and high-value treats or long-lasting chews.
What are safe spots?
North MN. and Bennett SL. Storm phobia in dogs. Today’s Vet Pract. Published June 20, 2025. Accessed July 14, 2026. https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/behavior/storm-phobia-in-dogs/
Lindig AM, McGreevy PD, Crean AJ. Musical dogs: a review of the influence of auditory enrichment on canine health and behavior. Animals. 2020;10(1):127. doi:10.3390/ani10010127
Haug L. Behavioral treatment techniques, behavior modification, and learning theory. In: Landsberg G, ed. Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat. 4th ed. Elsevier Health Sciences; 2023:149-181.
A pharmaceutical agent that is effective at reducing anxiety in dogs already showing signs of fear and anxiety.
What is Sileo (dexmedetomidine oromucosal)?
Korpivaara, M., Laapas, K., Huhtinen, M., Schöning, B., & Overall, K. (2017). Dexmedetomidine oromucosal gel for noise‐associated acute anxiety and fear in dogs—A randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical study. Veterinary Record, 180(14), 356–356. https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.104045
List three comorbid behavioral conditions commonly associated with storm phobia.
What is noise phobia, confinement distress, and separation anxiety?
Ballantyne KC. Separation, confinement, or noises. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2018;48(3):367-386. doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2017.12.005
Can I comfort my dog while he is scared of a storm or will this reward the unwanted behavior?
You can't reinforce fear! While cortisol does not decrease with petting during thunderstorms (or in other contexts), oxytocin and prolactin does increases. Additionally, if staying still for pets substitutes the pacing, then go ahead and comfort your pet!
Graham, L., Wells, D. L., & Hepper, P. G. (2005). The influence of olfactory stimulation on the behaviour of dogs housed in a rescue shelter. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 91(1–2), 143–153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2005.01.006
Odendaal JS, Meintjes RA. Neurophysiological correlates of affiliative behaviour between humans and dogs. Vet J. 2003 May;165(3):296-301. doi: 10.1016/s1090-0233(02)00237-x. PMID: 12672376.
The median onset age for noise sensitivity varies between 8 weeks and 10 years, with a median onset age of....?
What is 2 years?
Tiira K, Sulkama S, Lohi H. Prevalence, comorbidity, and behavioral variation in canine anxiety. J Vet Behav. 2016;16:36-44. https://doi. org/10.1016/j.jveb.2016.06.008
This behavior modification technique aims to shift a dog’s emotional response from fear to a more neutral or positive state by pairing a pleasurable experience with the aversive stimulus. For example, offering a high-value treat immediately after a clap of thunder or providing a long-lasting chew or treat toy during a storm.
What is classical counterconditioning?
North MN. and Bennett SL. Storm phobia in dogs. Today’s Vet Pract. Published June 20, 2025. Accessed July 14, 2026. https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/behavior/storm-phobia-in-dogs/
If a dog lives in an area where storms are frequent, unpredictable, or back-to-back, a vet may recommend adding this class of daily medication early in treatment.
What is a baseline antidepressant (SSRI/TCA)?
North MN. and Bennett SL. Storm phobia in dogs. Today’s Vet Pract. Published June 20, 2025. Accessed July 14, 2026. https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/behavior/storm-phobia-in-dogs/
This can contribute to noise aversions and fears in dogs, including storm phobia, and should be considered when treating storm phobia.
What is musculoskeletal pain?
Lopes Fagundes AL, Hewison L, McPeake KJ, Zulch H, Mills DS. Noise sensitivities in dogs: an exploration of signs in dogs with and without musculoskeletal pain using qualitative content analysis. Front Vet Sci. 2018;5:17. doi:10.3389/fvets.2018.00017
Why does my dog start panicking hours before it actually starts raining?
Because fear is an adaptive survival mechanism, dogs learn very quickly to associate early warning signs with impending thunder. They can detect subtle signs that we cannot such as drops in barometric pressure and the smell of the ozone changing.
Darkening skies, wind, the scent of ozone, and drops in barometric pressure are known as these. These are cues that prompt a dog to panic before the thunder even begins, and what distinguishes storm phobia from noise phobia.
What are contextual clues?
North MN. and Bennett SL. Storm phobia in dogs. Today’s Vet Pract. Published June 20, 2025. Accessed July 14, 2026. https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/behavior/storm-phobia-in-dogs/
Training dogs to go to a specific place (bed, mat, or safe spot), asking for a “settle” when they notice their dog beginning to pace, training a dog to take a deep breath on cue.
What is operant counterconditioning?
North MN. and Bennett SL. Storm phobia in dogs. Today’s Vet Pract. Published June 20, 2025. Accessed July 14, 2026. https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/behavior/storm-phobia-in-dogs/
Anxiolytic medication and can be used alone or as an adjunct. Particularly helpful because this medication can have an amnesic effect that inhibits learning, including negative associations. Should not be used in dogs with aggression due to the potential risk of behavioral disinhibition.
What is benzodiazepines?
North MN. and Bennett SL. Storm phobia in dogs. Today’s Vet Pract. Published June 20, 2025. Accessed July 14, 2026. https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/behavior/storm-phobia-in-dogs/
Dogs with storm phobia and concurrent musculoskeletal pain were identified at this age (mean) compared to dogs without musculoskeletal pain.
What is 6.5 years?
Lopes Fagundes AL, Hewison L, McPeake KJ, Zulch H, Mills DS. Noise sensitivities in dogs: an exploration of signs in dogs with and without musculoskeletal pain using qualitative content analysis. Front Vet Sci. 2018;5:17. doi:10.3389/fvets.2018.00017
My dog hides under the bed during thunderstorms. Should I drag them out to be with me?
No, dragging a panicking dog out of their chosen safe space will only increase their stress and may trigger defensive aggression. Instead, focus on creating their chose safe space feel even safer with things like white noise machines, comfortable beds, Adaptil pheromones, and covered windows.
Freezing, flattened ears, hiding, trembling, lowered tail and body position
vs.
Escape attempts, restlessness/pacing, vocalization, hyper vigilance, destructiveness
What are passive vs. active signs of fear?
Specific time of year to begin systematic desensitization protocols with owners
What is winter (or dry/off-season)?
North MN. and Bennett SL. Storm phobia in dogs. Today’s Vet Pract. Published June 20, 2025. Accessed July 14, 2026. https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/behavior/storm-phobia-in-dogs/
This pharmaceutical manages anxiety and is helpful in dogs that also experience neuropathic pain in association with noise phobia. It can cause sedation, at high doses which could be a useful side effect for the use in treating storm phobia.
What is gabapentin?
North MN. and Bennett SL. Storm phobia in dogs. Today’s Vet Pract. Published June 20, 2025. Accessed July 14, 2026. https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/behavior/storm-phobia-in-dogs/
These medical conditions can contribute to behavior problems and should be investigated prior to diagnosing storm phobia.
What is pain, endocrine disorders, cardiopulmonary disease, neurologic problems, and cognitive dysfunction?
Riemer S. Therapy and prevention of noise fears in dogs—a review of the current evidence for practitioners. Animals. 2023;13(23):3664. doi:10.3390/ani13233664
Can I give my dog something over-the-counter like Benadryl during storms?
Antihistamines like Benadryl cause drowsiness but do not have any anxiolytic effect. There are more effective situational medications out there for storm phobia such as alpha-2 agonists (clonidine and Sileo), benzodiazepines, trazodone, and gabapentin as well as baseline medications like SSRIs (fluoxetine, sertraline), and TCAs (clomipramine).
North MN. and Bennett SL. Storm phobia in dogs. Today’s Vet Pract. Published June 20, 2025. Accessed July 14, 2026. https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/behavior/storm-phobia-in-dogs/