Thunder Phobia in Dogs

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Mounds Pet Food Warehouse (Madison, WI) Newsletter, September 1997

By Sharon Savage, M.S.

Storm season is nearly over for the year, and if you have a thunderstorm-phobic dog, you are probably feeling relieved. But wait! If you would like to treat your dog's fear, now is the best time to prepare for next April's showers. On average, thunderstorm phobias first occur in dogs at about seven years of age. During storms, fearful dogs may pace, pant, glue themselves to their owner or even jump through glass windows. Without initiating a behavioral modification program, fears usually increase over time.

As with many fears, thunderstorm phobia is best treated using a program of desensitization and counter-conditioning. The problem is that thunderstorms are composed of both reproducible and non-reproducible factors.

Thunder and lightning may be imitated using sound recordings and strobe lights, but it is impossible to duplicate changes in atmospheric pressure and static electricity. The components that can be reproduced must initially be presented to the dog at such low levels that he does not show a fear response. The dog is then counter-conditioned to associate pleasant experiences--like food treats--with increasing-intensities of thunderstorm-like stimuli.

It is important to gradually modify your dog's behavior before a real storm occurs, or you may have to begin the treatment process all over again. If you have questions about treating your dog's fear of thunderstorms, please contact an animal behaviorist in your area.