Finding Comfort In The Storm: Helping Pets With Thunderstorm Anxiety

Thunderstorm anxiety can vary by breed, species, and an individual pet’s personality. While these moments of fear or anxiety can be completely normal, some pets may experience more severe reactions that require closer attention.

Dr. Erin Ray, a Clinical Assistant Professor at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, says recognizing these behaviors — and taking preventive steps before a storm arrives — can help owners better support their pets and reduce their anxiety over time.

Symptoms of Storm Anxiety in Cats And Dogs

While symptoms of storm anxiety vary from pet to pet, common signs include pacing, hiding, whining, panting, and unusual body posture.

Both cats and dogs also may show their anxiety through gastrointestinal symptoms, such as refusing to eat, vomiting, or having loose stool.

These symptoms can indicate that your pet is experiencing significant stress before or during a storm.

“Oftentimes, people will say that pets can perceive changes in the weather before we can, that they're anticipating it,” Ray said.

Helping Your Pet Feel Safe

Treating anxiety before it escalates can make a significant difference. Ray says the best approach is to tailor treatment to each individual pet.

Strategies that may help manage this anxiety include:

• Using appropriately fitted and sized pressure wraps, such as compression jackets, which recreate the sensation of being hugged

• Creating positive experiences by spending time with your pet and rewarding calm behavior with treats

• Using pheromone diffusers or sprays specific to dogs or cats

• Playing white noise during storms

Ray recommends helping pets get accustomed to storm sounds by gradually introducing puppies and kittens to recordings of thunderstorms during positive activities, such as mealtime, playtime, or treat time.

“This helps pets associate storm sounds with positive experiences rather than fear,” Ray said. “Pets that are already sensitive to storms may also benefit from gradual desensitization by starting with shorter sessions at a lower volume and slowly increasing exposure over time.”

During an actual thunderstorm, white noise can help mask the sound of thunder, while compression jackets may provide a calming sensation through gentle, constant pressure.

"But, truly, animals prefer to sometimes be next to their human if they have a really strong bond," Ray said.

While pheromone diffusers may also help promote relaxation in dogs and cats, Ray recommends using them alongside other behavioral strategies rather than as a standalone treatment.

Anxiety That Requires Additional Support

For some animals, storm anxiety can become severe enough to cause respiratory distress or even trigger seizures.

“In those cases, you can work with your veterinarian to create a treatment plan and potentially find medications for your animal before stressful events,” she said.

Ray cautions owners against sharing medication between pets or giving human medications to animals because dosages vary by species and individual health conditions. She also advises against using over-the-counter medications without veterinary guidance.

Owners whose pets require medication should closely monitor weather forecasts so they can administer it at the appropriate time, often about two hours before a storm begins, as directed by their veterinarian.

Once medication has been prescribed, Ray says it should be used alongside behavioral training and positive reinforcement.

“Medication typically makes them feel a bit calmer and allows them that space to work through some of their anxiety,” Ray said. “It is best to consult with a veterinarian if you are really wanting to tailor a behavior plan.”

Advice for Owners

Knowing how your pet typically responds in thunderstorms can help you prepare before the bad weather arrives.

If your pet seeks comfort by sitting in your lap, offering treats and reassurance beforehand can help create a positive association while also reducing the chance of stress-related scratching, biting, or accidents.

Whenever possible, Ray advises that owners begin with non-medication approaches. If your pet becomes destructive, develops severe gastrointestinal symptoms, pants excessively, or shows signs of extreme distress, talk to your veterinarian about those concerns and what can be done to help their behavior.

Most importantly, Ray reminds owners whose pets suffer with severe anxiety that finding the right treatment plan can take time and that every pet responds differently. For some animals, long-term management may be necessary.

“When it comes to behavior, medication is a tool to be used in conjunction with other modifications you’re currently doing,” Ray said. “If medication is used as a replacement for the beginning treatment options, then you are not helping your pet overcome their fears.”

By recognizing the early signs of storm anxiety, creating positive experiences before bad weather arrives, and working with a veterinarian when needed, owners can help their pets weather the storm with greater confidence and comfort.

Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at: https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to: vmbs-editor@tamu.edu.