If you own a dog, you've undoubtedly witnessed this before: as soon as a storm approaches, your dog hides. At every thunderclap, he cowers in the corner.
Numerous dogs are afraid of thunder since they do not recognize this loud noise. Most dogs identify fear or anxiety during thunderstorms with the sound of the thunder.
Because dogs' hearing is more developed than ours, they are more sensitive to loud noises. As they don't know what it is or where it's coming from, thunder can appear dangerous.
Dogs are also more sensitive to other storm-related changes, such as changes in air pressure, increased static electricity, and low-frequency thunder sounds that humans cannot hear.
Occasionally, any component of a storm might provoke a panic response in a dog since the dog will associate these characteristics with an approaching storm.
1) If your dog isn't used to new things, he may be startled by thunder. So, introduce a young dog to a variety of stimuli, including new places, smells, people, & sounds.
2) If your dog is not accustomed to new experiences, he may be more frightened by unfamiliar sounds, such as thunder. Give your dog as many different experiences as possible.
3) Your dog may have hidden during a storm if he's afraid of thunder. "Fight, flight, or freeze" response. A dog may hide because it helps them feel safe.
4) Take it easy on yourself and your dog, and don't make a big deal about the storm or your dog's worry.
5) If you can, try to keep your dog from noticing that it is storming. The noise can be drowned out by playing music or turning on the television.
6) If your dog's anxiety is so extreme that nothing appears to help, your veterinarian may prescribe you a medication.