How to Calm a Dog During a Storm: Vet-Approved Tips That Actually Work

This pet health content, "How to Calm a Dog During a Storm" was written by veterinarians, Dr. Debora Lichtenberg, VMD, and Dr. Pippa Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS. Petful publisher Dave Baker contributed to this article. It was originally published in 2013 and was last reviewed and updated on March 17, 2026

If you have questions or concerns, call your vet, who is best equipped to ensure the health and well-being of your pet. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.

Thunder rumbles outside and your dog is already trembling, pacing, or trying to crawl under the bed. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone.

A 2013 study by Blackwell, Bradshaw, and Casey published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science found that between 25% and 49% of dogs show signs of fear in response to loud noises, with one in three displaying severe reactions such as destructive behavior, urinary incontinence, or attempts to escape.

This guide covers everything you need to know about how to calm a dog during a storm: what triggers the fear response, how to prepare before storm season, and what options are available for the most severely affected dogs.

Why Are Dogs Scared of Thunderstorms?

Storm phobia in dogs is not a simple reaction to noise. According to Crowell-Davis writing in Today's Veterinary Practice, dogs respond to a cluster of storm-related triggers simultaneously, including changes in barometric pressure, static electricity, low-frequency rumbles, darkening skies, and the smell of rain. This multi-sensory overload explains why some dogs start showing anxiety signs well before a storm arrives and why audio-only desensitization sometimes produces incomplete results.

A 2005 physiological study by Dreschel and Granger measured cortisol levels in thunderstorm-phobic dogs and found them to be more than double baseline during storm exposure, with levels still elevated 40 minutes after the stressor was removed. Chronic elevation of stress hormones can contribute to recurrent skin infections, gastrointestinal issues, and a heightened sensitivity to other stressors over time.

Physical Signs of Storm Anxiety in Dogs

Recognizing anxiety early gives you more time to intervene. Common signs include: Pacing, whining, or trembling Freezing or refusing to move Low body posture, tucked tail, flattened ears Drooling or panting excessively

• Destructive behavior such as chewing furniture or scratching doors
• Attempting to escape through windows, fences, or crates
• Urinary or bowel incontinence

For more on related anxious behaviors, see our article on separation anxiety and nighttime distress in dogs.

How to Calm a Dog During a Storm

There is no single fix that works for every dog. The most effective approach layers environment management, behavioral tools, and for severe cases, veterinary intervention. The sections below cover each layer in order of how quickly you can implement them.

1. Create a Safe Den Before the Storm Hits

Dogs are den animals by instinct. Having a pre-established safe space gives your dog somewhere familiar and secure to retreat to. The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine recommends providing a voluntary den rather than forcing the dog to confront the fear, noting that forced confinement during a fear event increases anxiety rather than reducing it. How to set up a storm den:

• Choose a small, interior room or a crate your dog already uses willingly
• Layer the space with a familiar blanket and an item of your worn clothing
• Add a favorite toy and leave high-value treats inside on normal days to build a positive association
• Keep the den accessible at all times, not just during storms

Do not force your dog into the den or block the exit. Voluntary retreat reduces anxiety. Forced confinement during a fear event increases it.

2. Manage the Environment During the Storm

Simple environmental adjustments can meaningfully reduce what your dog experiences:

• Close windows and doors to reduce the sound of thunder and prevent escape
• Draw curtains or blinds to block lightning flashes that trigger startle responses
• Turn off the television to avoid adding extra audio stimulation
• Play calming music at a low volume. Wells, Graham, and Hepper (2002) found classical music increased resting behavior and reduced vocalization in shelter dogs. Kogan, Schoenfeld-Tacher, and Simon (2012) replicated similar findings in kenneled dogs.
• Stay calm yourself. Dogs read human body language closely and anxious hovering can signal to your dog that their fear is justified.

A note on reassurance: the old advice that comforting a frightened dog reinforces fear has been challenged by current veterinary behavioral science. As outlined in the UPenn Veterinary Behavior Medicine handout, fear is an involuntary response that cannot be altered by petting or kind words. Staying calm and present will not make things worse. For related guidance, see our dog behavior and training hub.

How to Calm a Dog During a Storm at Night

Nighttime storms are often more distressing because the household is quiet and your dog may wake from sleep already in a panic. A few targeted adjustments help:

• Keep the safe den in or adjacent to your bedroom so your dog does not feel isolated
• Use a white noise machine or fan near the sleeping area to mask sudden thunder claps
• Consider a pheromone diffuser plugged in near the sleeping area
• If your dog seeks contact with you during the night, allowing this is unlikely to cause harm and may reduce their cortisol response

If nighttime storm anxiety is causing significant sleep disruption, speak to your vet about trazodone administered in the evening as a short-term situational option.

Desensitization: The Long-Term Solution

Systematic desensitization paired with counter-conditioning is one of the most commonly recommended long-term behavioral strategies for noise phobia in dogs. The protocol is described in detail in Karen Overall's Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats (Elsevier Mosby, 2013), and involves gradually exposing the dog to recorded storm sounds at a volume too low to trigger fear, pairing calm behavior with high-value rewards, and incrementally raising the volume over weeks.

It is worth noting, however, that the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine behavior handout takes a more cautious position on audio-only desensitization. UPenn's clinical team notes that because a real storm involves barometric pressure, humidity, lightning, rain, and the smell of ozone, a recording cannot replicate the full sensory experience. They warn that audio-only practice may actually further sensitize some dogs to storm sounds rather than reducing their fear, and recommend focusing instead on environmental management and medication for moderate to severe cases.

The practical takeaway: audio desensitization is worth attempting for dogs with mild storm sensitivity, particularly if started well before storm season. For dogs with moderate to severe phobia, do not rely on it as a primary strategy and involve your veterinarian early.

How to Run a Desensitization Program

• Start at least 8 weeks before storm season, or as early as possible after identifying the phobia
• Use a high-quality recording of thunderstorm sounds; several are available on major streaming platforms
• Begin with the volume low enough that your dog shows absolutely no reaction. This is your baseline
• Play the recording during a positive activity such as a meal or a calm training session
• Increase the volume in small increments over multiple sessions, never progressing if the dog shows any sign of anxiety
• The goal over weeks is to reach realistic storm volume levels with the dog remaining relaxed and settled

Rushing the volume increase is the most common reason this protocol fails. Note that desensitization addresses the auditory component of storm fear. Some dogs also react to static electricity and pressure changes, which audio recordings cannot fully replicate.

For a broader overview of behavior modification, see our behaviors and training hub.

Calming Products for Storm Anxiety

Adaptil (Dog Appeasing Pheromone)

Adaptil is a synthetic analogue of the pheromone produced by lactating dogs. A placebo-controlled beagle study by Landsberg et al. (2015) published in the Veterinary Record found that dogs fitted with DAP collars had significantly lower global fear and anxiety scores during and after thunderstorm simulations compared to the placebo group.

A systematic review by Wong and Govendir (2021) published in Veterinary Evidence found moderate evidence that DAP reduces some behavioral signs of fear from thunderstorm noise, while noting that the evidence across all anxiety contexts remains variable. Adaptil is a reasonable component of a multimodal plan but should not be relied on as a standalone solution. For best results:

• Start using an Adaptil diffuser or collar at least two weeks before anticipated storm events
• Position a plug-in diffuser in the room where your dog spends most time, or where the safe den is located
• Replace the diffuser refill every 30 days for continuous effect

The ThunderShirt and Compression Wraps

Compression wraps including the ThunderShirt and Anxiety Wrap apply gentle, consistent pressure across the dog's torso. An open-label trial by Cottam, Dodman, and Ha (2013) at Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine found that after five uses of the Anxiety Wrap, 89% of owners reported at least partial effectiveness for thunderstorm phobia, a proportion significantly higher than those reporting no effect (P = 0.001). A separate study of the Storm Defender Cape cited by Crowell-Davis found 70% of owners reported some improvement after four uses. Compression wraps also help with:

• Dogs with separation anxiety or nighttime distress
• Dogs pulling on the leash or showing excitability around strangers
• General overarousal during training situations

Compression wraps work best when introduced on calm days before a storm. Applying one for the first time during an active panic response is less effective and can increase resistance to wearing it going forward. A ThunderShirt version is also available for cats.

Bach's Rescue Remedy

Bach's Rescue Remedy is a plant-based preparation at around $15 per bottle that some pet owners report helpful for mild anxiety. Controlled clinical evidence for its effectiveness in dogs is limited, and it should be considered a low-cost, low-risk adjunct rather than a primary intervention. Consult your veterinarian before use, particularly if your dog is on other medications.

Medications for Storm Anxiety in Dogs

When behavioral tools and calming products are not sufficient, veterinary medication is an important part of the plan. As outlined in Karen Overall's Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats (Elsevier Mosby, 2013), medication works most effectively alongside behavior modification, not as a replacement for it.

Important: None of the medications discussed in this section should be administered without a veterinarian's guidance. Dosage, timing, and suitability vary significantly depending on your dog's weight, health status, and any existing medications. Always consult your vet before starting any prescription or over-the-counter treatment for anxiety.

Trazodone

Trazodone is a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI) that has become one of the most commonly prescribed situational anxiety medications in veterinary practice. A retrospective study of 56 dogs by Gruen and Sherman (2008) published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that trazodone was well tolerated across a wide dosage range and enhanced behavioral calming when used alongside behavior modification. A later randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover trial by Kim et al. (2022) confirmed that a single dose of trazodone before a stressful event significantly reduced both behavioral and physiological signs of stress in dogs. Common veterinary uses:

• Thunderstorm and noise phobias in acute situations
• Travel anxiety
• Post-operative cage rest and recovery periods
• Safety profile:
• Few side effects at therapeutic doses in the majority of patients
• Well tolerated across a wide dosage range
• Use with caution in dogs with severe cardiac, liver, or kidney disease; disclose full health history to your vet
• Drug interactions are possible; always tell your vet about all current medications

Benzodiazepines

Drugs in the diazepam family are highly effective for acute, severe storm fear. According to Crowell-Davis, they not only reduce anxiety in the moment but carry amnesiac properties, meaning the dog may not fully consolidate a fear memory of the event. Over repeated storms this can gradually reduce overall sensitivity. Benzodiazepines require a prescription and should only be used under veterinary supervision.

Sileo (Dexmedetomidine Oral Gel): Not Currently Recommended

Sileo is an FDA-approved oral gel form of dexmedetomidine specifically marketed for noise phobia in dogs. However, the AVMA reported in July 2017 that the FDA had issued a safety warning after reports of accidental overdose linked to a faulty oral syringe mechanism. Despite revised labeling and additional training materials from the manufacturer, Zoetis, the overdose risk has not been fully resolved. Until the syringe design issue is corrected, we do not recommend home administration of Sileo. If your vet has previously prescribed it, discuss alternative options at your next appointment.

Here's a look at Sileo's faulty syringe mechanism:

Fireworks and Other Loud Noises

Most strategies that help a dog during a thunderstorm apply equally to fireworks and other sudden loud events. A few additional considerations for fireworks:

• Fireworks are often predictable. If a display is scheduled, you have time to prepare the den, start Adaptil two weeks in advance, and speak to your vet about situational medication
• Keep your dog securely indoors. Animal shelters consistently report a spike in lost and stray dogs in the days following major fireworks events
• Avoid taking your dog to outdoor fireworks events even if they appear tolerant. Dogs can bolt unpredictably if a burst goes off at close range

Dogs with generalized noise sensitivity beyond storms and fireworks may benefit from a broader behavioral assessment. The co-occurrence of noise phobia and separation anxiety is well documented by Blackwell, Bradshaw, and Casey and may require a combined treatment approach.

When to See a Veterinarian

Some nervousness during storms is common in dogs. But the following signs indicate the anxiety has crossed into a clinical problem requiring professional help:

• Your dog injures themselves trying to escape or hide, such as tearing nails or breaking through glass
• The anxiety is getting worse each storm season rather than staying stable or improving
• Your dog shows fear responses to other sounds or situations outside of storms
• Normal calming strategies and over-the-counter products have produced no meaningful improvement after consistent use

A veterinary behaviorist or a general practitioner with a strong behavior background can assess the full picture and create a tailored plan that may include prescription medication, a formal desensitization protocol, or a referral to a certified applied animal behaviorist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

References

• Blackwell, E.J., Bradshaw, J.W.S., and Casey, R.A. "Fear Responses to Noises in Domestic Dogs: Prevalence, Risk Factors and Co-Occurrence with Other Fear Related Behaviour." Applied Animal Behaviour Science 145, no. 1-2 (May 2013): 15-25. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S016815911200367X
• Cottam, N., Dodman, N.H., and Ha, J.C. "The Effectiveness of the Anxiety Wrap in the Treatment of Canine Thunderstorm Phobia: An Open-Label Trial." Journal of Veterinary Behavior 8, no. 3 (May-June 2013): 154-161. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1558787812001190
• Crowell-Davis, S.L. "Noise and Storm Phobias and Anxiety in Dogs." Today's Veterinary Practice (2022). https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/behavior/noise-storm-phobias-anxiety-in-dogs/
• Dreschel, N.A., and Granger, D.A. "Physiological and Behavioral Reactivity to Stress in Thunderstorm-Phobic Dogs and Their Caregivers." Applied Animal Behaviour Science 95, no. 3-4 (December 2005): 153-168. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168159105001152
• Gruen, M.E., and Sherman, B.L. "Use of Trazodone as an Adjunctive Agent in the Treatment of Canine Anxiety Disorders: 56 Cases (1995-2007)." Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 233, no. 12 (December 2008): 1902-1907. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19072606/
• Kim, S.A., Borchardt, M.R., Lee, K., Stelow, E.A., and Bain, M.J. "Effects of Trazodone on Behavioral and Physiological Signs of Stress in Dogs During Veterinary Visits: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Crossover Clinical Trial." Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 260, no. 8 (2022): 876-883. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35333743/
• Kogan, L.R., Schoenfeld-Tacher, R., and Simon, A.A. "Behavioral Effects of Auditory Stimulation on Kenneled Dogs." Journal of Veterinary Behavior 7, no. 5 (September-October 2012): 268-275. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1558787811001845
• Landsberg, G.M., Beck, A., Lopez, A., Deniaud, M., Araujo, J.A., and Milgram, N.W. "Dog-Appeasing Pheromone Collars Reduce Sound-Induced Fear and Anxiety in Beagle Dogs: A Placebo-Controlled Study." Veterinary Record 177, no. 10 (October 2015): 260. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4602264/
• Overall, Karen L., MA, VMD, PhD, DACVB. Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats. Elsevier Mosby, 2013. https://shop.elsevier.com/books/manual-of-clinical-behavioral-medicine-for-dogs-and-cats/overall/978-0-323-00890-7
• University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. "Fear of Thunderstorms and Fireworks." Behavior Medicine Client Handout. Updated 2024. https://www.vet.upenn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/fear-of-thunderstorms-amp-fireworks-pdf.pdf
• Wells, D.L., Graham, L., and Hepper, P.G. "The Influence of Auditory Stimulation on the Behaviour of Dogs Housed in a Rescue Shelter." Animal Welfare 11, no. 4 (November 2002): 385-393. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/animal-welfare/article/influence-of-auditory-stimulation-on-the-behaviour-of-dogs-housed-in-a-rescue-shelter/165099F5CFDA9550B703089A8CE1CC80
• Wong, C.F., and Govendir, M. "Can Dog Appeasing Pheromone Ameliorate Stress Behaviours Associated with Anxiety in Mature Domestic Dogs?" Veterinary Evidence 6, no. 4 (2021). https://veterinaryevidence.org/index.php/ve/article/view/421
• American Veterinary Medical Association. "FDA Warns of Accidental Overdose Risk with Sileo." JAVMA News. July 2017. https://www.avma.org/javma-news/2017-07-01/fda-warns-accidental-overdose-risk-sileo