Thunderstorm fear in dogs: how to help during the storm and in the long run

If your dog trembles, pants, hides or tries to escape when thunder rolls in, you’re far from alone — noise fear is the most common behaviour problem in dogs — and the good news is that a mix of management on the day, longer-term training and, where needed, medication from your vet can make storm season much easier for both of you.

How common is it?

In an owner survey of 13,700 Finnish pet dogs, Salonen and colleagues (2020) found that noise sensitivity was the most common anxiety-related trait, affecting 32% of dogs, and that breeds differed widely — suggesting a strong genetic contribution. The Merck Veterinary Manual, in a section by veterinary behaviourist Gary Landsberg, describes noise phobia as a sudden, profound response to noise with intense anxiety, panic or attempts to escape, and names thunderstorms as the most common trigger.

In a survey of 1,225 dogs, Riemer (2019) found that 52% were at least partly affected by firework fears, most developed the fear in their first year of life, and fear of fireworks was closely linked to fear of thunder and gunshots. While most fearful dogs had recovered by the next morning, recovery took several weeks or longer in over 3%. Both improvement and worsening over time were common.

During the storm

In a 2023 review of the evidence, Riemer concludes that, on the day, managing the environment, offering food or play during the noise and, when indicated, anxiety medication can protect a dog’s welfare.

• Make a den. A crate covered with a blanket, a closet or an interior room with curtains drawn — somewhere your dog already likes to go. Leave the door open.
• Mask the noise with music, white noise or the TV.
• Offer treats, chews or a game if your dog is relaxed enough to take them.
• Stay calm and stay close if your dog comes to you for comfort.
• Keep doors and gates secure. Panicking dogs may bolt.
• Never punish fear behaviour. It adds to the fear.

What about wraps, supplements and pheromones?

• Pressure wraps. In a 2024 systematic review, Mathis and colleagues found only four studies, mostly small and at moderate-to-high risk of bias, with minimal benefits. They concluded that the evidence is weak and limited.
• Alternative products. Riemer’s 2023 review concludes that nutraceuticals, herbal remedies, pheromones, homeopathy, flower remedies and essential oils are unlikely to be enough on their own.
• Medication. In contrast, Riemer found good evidence for several anxiety medications. A 2026 evidence summary by McNicholas found that one such medication, imepitoin, can improve the welfare of dogs frightened by loud noises, but side effects were common enough that some owners stopped using it — a reason to discuss options and side effects with your vet.

In the long run: training and prevention

The Merck Veterinary Manual describes desensitisation and counterconditioning as very important in the early treatment of fears and phobias. Riemer’s review found that counterconditioning to real-life noises, relaxation training and desensitisation with recordings have all been shown to improve noise fears — and that preventive training appears highly effective in puppies and adult dogs that aren’t yet afraid.

• Start low. Play storm sounds very quietly while your dog eats or plays.
• Go slowly. Raise the volume over days or weeks, only while your dog stays relaxed.
• Pair real storms with good things from puppyhood, before fear develops.
• Get help from your vet or a qualified behaviour professional if your dog is already fearful.

When to call your veterinarian

• Your dog panics, tries to escape, injures itself or destroys things during storms.
• Fear is getting worse, or spreading to other noises.
• Your dog takes days to recover after a storm.
• Before storm season, to discuss a plan and whether medication would help.
• If in doubt, call — your vet would rather hear from you early.

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Sources & further reading

1. Salonen M, Sulkama S, Mikkola S, Puurunen J, Hakanen E, Tiira K, Araujo C, Lohi H (2020) — Prevalence, comorbidity, and breed differences in canine anxiety in 13,700 Finnish pet dogs. Scientific Reports 10:2962. doi.org
2. Riemer S (2019) — Not a one-way road — Severity, progression and prevention of firework fears in dogs. PLoS ONE 14:e0218150. doi.org
3. Riemer S (2023) — Therapy and Prevention of Noise Fears in Dogs — A Review of the Current Evidence for Practitioners. Animals 13:3664. doi.org
4. Mathis S, Schoolfield S, Gross P, Gruen M, Dorman DC (2024) — A Systematic Review of the Efficacy of Compression Wraps as an Anxiolytic in Domesticated Dogs. Animals 14:3445. doi.org
5. McNicholas H (2026) — Does imepitoin reduce signs of fear and anxiety in dogs frightened by loud noises? Veterinary Evidence 11(3). doi.org
6. Landsberg GM, Merck Veterinary Manual (2026) — Behavior Problems in Dogs (pet owner version). merckvetmanual.com

Where evidence is limited, recommendations rest on established practice and expert judgment, and may be updated as knowledge develops. This is general information and does not replace advice from your veterinarian or a qualified behaviour professional.

Next steps

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• Return to the guide: For your puppy buyers.