Many pet owners have experienced it: dark clouds roll in, thunder begins to rumble, and their calm companion suddenly starts pacing, panting, hiding, or trembling.
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 University College of Veterinary Medicine and 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.
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 the pet is experiencing significant stress before or during a storm.
Strategies that may help manage this anxiety include using appropriately fitted and sized pressure wraps, such as compression jackets, creating positive experiences by spending time with the pet, using pheromone diffusers or sprays specific to dogs or cats, and playing white noise during storms.
“But animals prefer to sometimes be next to their human if they have a really strong bond,” Ray said.
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. 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.
If the pet seeks comfort by sitting in the owner’s 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 the pet becomes destructive, develops severe gastrointestinal symptoms, pants excessively, or shows signs of extreme distress, talk to the 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, longterm management may be necessary.