[This reader found me by way of this post: Remedies for Dogs with Thunderstorm Anxieties. You may also want to check out that post.]
From the Mailbag:
My lab was never afraid of the weather until we had a tornado hit behind our house, and she was in her outside pen that day. Ever since then, she has been TERRIFIED of any little peal of thunder or gust of wind. She is a hunting dog, and the noise from the shooting of the rifle does not bother her at all! How crazy is that????? We live in south Louisiana, so 90% of the time, we have no warning of storms, so it’s been really difficult to find something to help her. I have the prescribed meds from the vet, but if not given 1-2 hours in advance, they’re no help. I’ve given her Hemp Calming Support, but if it’s not given 1-2 hours in advance, it’s no help. I’ve wrapped her firmly in a blanket, played music for anxiety-ridden dogs, put her in her kennel in a dark room, and covered her head. Nothing works. I’m going to try the Benadryl next and pray for the best. Do you know something else I should try, PLEASE let me know. I’m terrified she’s going to have a heart attack the way she pants and shakes so hard during storms!
Dear Reader,
Your dog’s reaction isn’t crazy at all! Her fear is a classic case of single-event learning. A single traumatic experience (the tornado) rewired her brain to associate storms with danger. The fact that gunfire doesn’t bother her makes perfect sense: She wasn’t traumatized by it, whereas the storm directly threatened her safety.
Here are a few more ideas for you.
Immediate Relief (During Storms):
Benadryl Caution: It may mildly sedate her (dose: 1mg/lb, but confirm with your vet), but it won’t address the underlying anxiety. Use sparingly.
White Noise: Override storm sounds with loud, rhythmic noise like a fan + heavy metal music or TV static. Oddly, these mask low-frequency thunder rumbles better than “calm” music.
Safe Space: Lead her to her dark, interior-most room (like a windowless bathroom) before the storm hits. Scatter high-value treats (like freeze-dried liver) to create positive associations.
Long-Term Solutions (Rebuild Confidence):
Desensitization Training:
Find and work with an IAABC Certified Fear-Free trainers or veterinary behaviorist near you who specialize in storm/noise phobias or anxiety-related issues
Use storm soundtracks (YouTube/Apps) at barely audible levels while playing fetch or feeding meals. Gradually increase volume over weeks—only if she stays relaxed.
Pair wind/rain sounds with her favorite activities (i.e. chewing a stuffed Kong).
Counterconditioning:
When real wind gusts happen, immediately engage her in a fun task such as “Find it!” with treats tossed in the grass. Redirect her focus before panic sets in.
Medication Adjustments:
Ask your vet about fast-acting anti-anxiety meds (e.g., Trazodone or Sileo gel) for sudden storms. These work within 30–60 mins.
Consider a daily SSRI (like Prozac) if storms are frequent; it lowers baseline anxiety, making training more effective.
Emergency Backup Plan:
Muffling Sound: Dog earmuffs (like Mutt Muffs) or cotton balls + vet wrap over ears (if she tolerates it).
Pheromones: Adaptil spray on her blanket or a wall plug-in may take the edge off.
Her panic is learned, so it can be unlearned, but it requires patience. Start training on clear days to prep for storm season. You’re doing great by seeking solutions!
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