why are dogs afraid of thunder

Why thunderstorm phobia? It shouldn’t be a surprise that there is no simple answer to that question. Not all dogs are afraid of thunder. All dogs are different, and depending on the degree to which your dog is afraid, you can expect it to take a while for your canine buddy to conquer its fear. German Shepherds may be fierce and strong, but underneath their stalwart exterior, they are still dogs. In fact, your dog can hear sounds up to four times farther away than a human’s hearing. Fear of thunder is a common phobia in dogs.. Noise trauma during storms may be stressful for both owners and dogs. For many dogs, thunderstorms mean fear and trembling -- for the unluckiest dogs, they mean outright panic. Maybe you should try desensitization. This week, thunderstorm phobia – why it’s so common, and which treatments may help. Most fireworks make some kind of loud sound. There are many reasons dogs may have astraphobia, or “thunder phobia,” though. For example, if your dog develops a fear of thunder, she may also become afraid of dark thunderclouds, and windy conditions which usually precede thunder and lightning. Science says that a whopping 93% of dogs with some type of noise phobia are afraid of thunder, or something similarly loud like fireworks. Noise anxiety in dogs is a phobia or strong feeling of fear around loud noises, like sounds from fireworks or thunderstorms. "[Calming treats] help to reduce tension if you find your dog is shaking when afraid. In fact, 2016 research in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior said noise phobias or noise sensitivities are one of the top 3 common anxieties in dogs … The best answer may be &ldq Dogs are acutely sensitive to these changes, and they often … A GSD that is a true K-9 working dog has gone through a systematic process of noise desensitization. It is usually marked by hiding, whining, barking, pawing or even urination. Changes in barometric pressure and humidity can affect your dog's senses and possibly even cause discomfort in … Well, due to dog’s keen senses they may experience a variety of things during a thunderstorm that go virtually undetected by us humans. Many dogs are distressed by unexpected loud noises—a condition known as noise aversion, or noise phobia in more severe cases—and sudden thunderclaps fall into that category. Discomfort may arise due to the barometric pressure changes, static electricity, high winds, and low-frequency rumbles. You can also keep your dog distracted with treats and favorite toys. Homeopathic treatment doesn’t try to sedate a terrified dog. As you might suspect, noise is a reason, but it’s only part of the equation. The sounds of thunder, gunshots and fireworks all commonly spark fear even in the most aggressive dogs. Many dogs suffer from noise phobia, and the thunder is just one of several frightening noises (others include fireworks, gunshots, etc). Is your dog scared of thunder? 4 Reasons Dogs are Scared of Fireworks 1. Dogs may pant, whine, bark, hide, tremble, pace, spin, scratch and/or paw at windows and doors, and may become extremely destructive and panicked to the point of hurting themselves. The reason your Golden Retriever gets afraid when there is thunder and lightning could be because you get anxious yourself. Genetics - these set the threshold for “what is stressful” and the default response of “fight or flight.” A dog with nervous parents is probably going to be on the nervous end of the spectrum - breed and breeding matter! 2. Storms, especially loud and noisy ones, can trigger fear in dogs and cats. Astraphobia can affect both humans and animals. If your dog feels like playing, do so. Final Thoughts: Why Are Dogs Afraid of Thunderstorms? Most dogs are scared of the sudden loud noises of a storm, but others are scared of the lightening, rain, and wind, so close the blinds to try and eliminate as many elements of the storm as possible 4 It could also be a combination of dropping barometric pressure, the darkening skies, and whistling of the wind. You may even need to go back a few steps if your dog unexpectedly reverts to fearful behaviors, which is okay, too. it is possible that your dog is scared and trying to frighten the thunder away with noise. Use the Thundershirt to lessen your dog’s fear of thunder. They’re Loud. It is usually marked by hiding, whining, barking, pawing or even urination. There are a variety of reasons why your dog might bark, or respond aggressively, toward thunder. A dog afraid of thunder can have a variety of reactions, from mild to extreme. Dogs that are afraid of firecrackers may become afraid of the children who have the firecrackers or may become afraid to go in the backyard, if that is where they usually hear the noise. Many veterinarians have conjectured about specific parts of the storm, causing a fear response, yet no one is sure which one has the most significant impact. Not to state this too strongly, but the Thundershirt is a miracle. Below are some reasons dogs are scared of fireworks, followed by ways you can help ease your dog’s fears and keep him calm. It is unknown why some pets become afraid of noises such as thunder and fireworks; it is a common problem in dogs, but less so in cats. Your dog might be able to feel static electricity from a thunderstorm buildup in its coat even before the first clap of thunder, causing them to react in an anxious or fearful manner. According to one study, about one-third of dogs have anxiety, and thunderstorms are at the top of the list of anxiety-inducing situations. Your dog may also be simply expressing its own anxiety and fear by barking. There are a number of dogs who get the shivers when the thunder starts to rumble in the sky. A far better approach to help dogs afraid of thunder is to support them in overcoming the fear. To understand just why are dogs afraid of fireworks, remember that dogs have very sensitive hearing. Treatment Options for Dogs Afraid of Thunder Homeopathy. The truth behind thunder phobias is: no one knows why dogs are afraid of thunderstorms. Perhaps you adopted your dog from a rescue shelter, and you don't know much about his past, but he flips out anytime he hears loud noises, like books falling off shelves or doors slamming. For example, dogs that are afraid of thunder may later become afraid of the wind, dark clouds and flashes of light that often precede the sound of thunder. Homeopathy works by understanding the full nature of the dog, including their sensitivities and fears. However, the cause of fear may not be limited to noise. Loud noises can spook animals. Why are Dogs Afraid of Thunder? … Like fireworks, thunder is loud, unpredictable and often brings unexpected flashes of light. It is doubtful if there is a better way than with homeopathic treatment. Why Are Dogs Afraid of Thunderstorms? But why are they afraid? Dogs are often afraid of loud noises like thunder or fireworks. Prepare for the next storm. As a result of this, they can be highly aware of how their owners are feeling. Dogs can be afraid of a wide variety of things, including thunder. It does seem to be more common in some breeds than others. Cats are afraid of thunder because they don’t know that the loud noise isn’t a threat. And most dogs are afraid of thunder. Noise phobias can include fear of thunderstorms, fireworks, gunshots, and even the sound of birds. It causes them to shrink, run, and try to hide behind whatever will dampen the noise. Fear of thunder is a common phobia in dogs. Unfortunately for dogs, it also means thunderstorms, which can upset many dogs to the point of panic. If your dog is afraid of thunder, play calming music to drown out the thunder claps. Dropping barometric pressure—which dogs can sense—coupled with darkening skies, wind, and the sheer noise of thunder can cause fearful reactions in dogs. Why Are Dogs Afraid of Thunder? To be fair, storms are big, intense, and complicated weather occurrences. Summertime means sunshine, road trips, picnics, and boat rides. Homeopathy, the 200-year-old system of medicine that uses extremely dilute remedies, is popular with pet owners because it often works well and has no adverse side effects. Dogs have a more acute sense of hearing than humans, so those loud booms, crackles and whistles are alarming. German Shepherd Afraid of Thunder. Thank you, Daniel Dudgeon, for your A2A: Why do dogs freak out during storms? But why? 2. When they hear thunder sounds and can’t identify if it’s a predator chasing them, they get scared. Some dogs are afraid of thunder not only because of its loud sound, but because thunderstorms are accompanied by changes in temperature, drops in atmospheric pressure, and increased static electricity. My dog stands at the window and watches the lightening whenever there's a storm, it doesn't phase her one bit. Whether it be thunder, fireworks, gunshots, or shaking a can of pennies. German Shepherds are very intelligent, sensitive, and empathic dogs. The most obvious explanation as to why your dog is scared of thunder is simple noise aversion, which makes them scared of the loud crashes during storms. Well, here are a few possible reasons for why your dog fears thunder. Golden Retrievers were bred to work alongside their owners as working dogs and they would spend many hours per day with their owners. These sounds are often a source of great distress, fear and anxiety for our pets, and for a good reason. Most cats don’t care for big storms either. But, the question remains, why are dogs afraid of thunder in the first place? So, why are dogs afraid of thunderstorms? No one is exactly sure what makes dogs afraid of thunder. No one is exactly sure what makes dogs afraid of thunder.. A dog who suffers from a fear of thunderstorms may begin to display anxious behavior long before the thunder begins. Dogs are often afraid of thunder simply because they don’t know what it is. Cats are aware that they’re predators and also prey. In the most aggressive dogs would spend many hours per day with their owners are feeling causes to..., ” though hearing than humans, so those loud booms why are dogs afraid of thunder crackles and whistles alarming... Common phobia in dogs still dogs like fireworks, thunder is to support them in overcoming the.... 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